Chester Henry (Hank) Chase Jr., 54, of Whitefield, died at his home on Dec. 10 after a two and a half year battle with pancreatic cancer. The youngest of six children, he was born in Augusta on July 20, 1956, the son of Chester H. and Margaret (Tobin) Chase.
After graduating from Lincoln Academy in 1974, Hank began working in various capacities at BIW. He started his 33-year career there as a ship fitter and worked his way up to Supervisor of Structural Design, retiring in 2008 due to illness.
Hank was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church, a former member of the North Whitefield Volunteer Fire Department, where he had served as president, and the Whitefield Republican Committee, serving as a state delegate.
Hank was passionate about his dogs and one could always be found at his side. He was known far and wide for hosting many huge pig roasts. This past summer, he “discovered” Machias and spent several very peaceful and happy weeks on the ocean at Roque’s Bluff, again hosting family and friends. Hank also loved landscaping his property which took on a natural beauty under his careful guidance. He physically “worked the land” up until late fall.
He will be remembered for his easy laughter, his playfulness and his wonderful, quirky sense of humor, as well as his gentle ways, his loyalty and his problem-solving capabilities.
Hank was predeceased by parents, nephew, Ryan Chase; and several cousins.
Survivors include his companion, Amy Weeks; Amy’s daughter, Kelsi Josyln; siblings, Elizabeth Ann Harmon, Mary Lou Smith and husband Stephen, Timothy Chase and wife Martha, Jane Chase, Patrick Chase and wife Robin, all of Whitefield; and many cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, and his BIW family.
Visiting hours 6-8 p.m., Tues., Dec. 14 at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. Funeral service 11 a.m., Wed., Dec. 15 at St. Denis Church.
In lieu of flowers, Hank suggested donations be made to Coastal Humane Society, 30 Range Rd., Brunswick, ME 04011.
