Col. Gautrey John Musk (Retired), 71, of Augusta and Pemaquid Harbor, passed away on Sept. 21 at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Nursing Care at Gray Birch, following a long illness with COPD. Throughout his illness, Gautrey continued to exhibit great courage, strength and a positive attitude.
He was born in Mattawamkeag on Oct. 21, 1935, the son of Rev. Victor and Muriel (Clements) Musk. He grew up in Easton and Caribou and graduated from Caribou High School, class of 1953, where he was on the National Honor Society and played Varsity Baseball and Basketball. He attended Colby College, graduated from the University of Maine, Orono with a BS Degree in Liberal Arts and attended Boston University for a year. While at the University of Maine, Gautrey was a member of Lamba Chi Alpha Fraternity.
Gautrey worked in Public Relations for the Maine Department of Economic Development and Research and also the Planning Division. He also worked for International Chemical Corp in Winthrop before pursuing his military career at Camp Keyes.
Col. Musk had 34 years of service with the National Guard (1969-1991). He served with the Air National Guard, Bangor and the Army National Guard. He graduated from the Maine Military Academy, Augusta; was Company Commander of the 152nd Heavy Equipment & Maintenance and also the 1136th Transportation Company. He also served as Combined Support Maintenance Shop Superintendent, Organizational Maintenance Officer and Director of Maintenance. He was a recipient of the Meritorious Service Award and the Legion of Merit Award.
Gautrey was active in community affairs, serving on the City of Augusta Planning and Zoning Boards. He was a member of Green Street United Methodist Church, but also attended and was a choir member at Penney Memorial United Baptist Church. He enjoyed skiing, amateur ham radio, Boston Terriers, flying, sailing and power boating. He was past-president of the Pemaquid Harbor Club.
He was predeceased by his father, Rev. Victor P. Musk.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janet Hill Musk of Augusta; mother, Muriel Musk of Augusta; sons, Lt. Col. Jeffrey H. Musk, PhD. and wife Misuk of West Point, N.Y., and John H. Musk and wife Charlotte of Westbrook; grandchildren, Jeffrey II, Kathryn, William, Faith and Lauren; and nephews, Steven Hill and David Hill.
Visiting hours 10-11 a.m., Thurs., Sept. 27 at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., following the visitation.
Burial with Military Honors will be held in the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Rd., Augusta.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Beacon Hospice for all their many months of help, in every way, for both Gautrey and Janet, and also to the staff and social worker Sandy at Gray Birch.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beacon Hospice, 45 Commerce Dr., Suite 12, Augusta, ME 04330.
Arrangements are under the direction of Knowlton, Hewins, Roberts Funeral Homes and Cremation Service.