Ernest “Kack” Giles Sr., 92, of Boothbay, died Feb. 2 at St. Andrews Hospital in Boothbay Harbor after a brief period of failing health.
Kack was born Sept. 17, 1916 in Boothbay, one of 11 children of Milton A. and Lena Campbell Giles, and attended Boothbay schools.
In his youth, he cut ice on West Harbor Pond. During WWII, he was employed in local shipyards, including Samples Shipyard, where he was an electrician. After the war, he began working with several local building contractors as a carpenter, most recently with Ed Harding.
He was a 75 year member of the Boothbay Grange, 65 year member of Bayview Lodge #196 A.F.& A.M. in Boothbay, and 65 year member of the Knights of Pythias.
He enjoyed playing cards, spending time with his family, tending his garden, especially growing cucumbers, and was known for his dowsing skills, which he used to help friends and family to find water.
Kack is predeceased by his wife, Ida Andrews Giles; brothers, George Everett Giles, Paul Beverly Giles, Milton A. Giles Jr., Lincoln A. Giles, Elmer Thomas Giles, and Ladelle Giles; and sister, Cora Giles.
Survivors include his son, Ernest Giles Jr. and wife Linda of Boothbay; daughters, Judith Johnson and husband Olaf of Boothbay, and Laurie Abbott and husband Ron of Boothbay Harbor; grandchildren, Ernest Johnson and wife Kimmy of Eastport, William Johnson of Boothbay, Christopher Giles of Livermore Falls, Claire Cole and husband David of Strong, and Valerie Giles of Boothbay Harbor; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Kenneth Giles, and Carlton Giles; and sister, Evelyn Giles, all of Boothbay.
Services will be private. Interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, Boothbay Harbor.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Boothbay.