Frederick Sherman Poland, 79, of Waldoboro, passed away peacefully on Aug. 11 at the Togus VA Hospice Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 7, 1935 in Bristol, the son of the late Orrin and Edith (Sherman) Poland. Fred grew up in Bristol and attended local schools, graduating from Bristol High School in 1953.
After finishing his education, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served his country bravely before his honorable discharge in 1958. He would leave the Navy with the rank of Seaman Apprentice. Upon leaving the Navy, Fred worked for Bethlehem Steel in Baltimore, Md. before finally returning to his roots in Maine.
Once Fred was back in Maine, he immediately took to the water and began his long fishing career. Fred would fish out of New Harbor where he would look for lobsters and would drag for fish as well. Fred was always willing to lend a helping hand to other fishermen and could often be found mending nets or making new ones. It was this task that earned him the nickname of the “Net Doctor.” Fred enjoyed spending time with his fellow fishermen.
Fred loved to dance and could often be found with Evelyn at Rendezvous. Most of the time you could find Fred at the house tinkering on a variety of different projects or just hanging out with his family and friends, it truly was one of his favorite pastimes. He also enjoyed a good picnic on a Sunday or a neighborhood cookout as well. Fred also enjoyed going out with his friends and playing a game of pool. He was a very loyal person and would always check in with Evelyn so she knew where he was and wouldn’t worry about him.
He had a soft spot in his heart for animals and treated them all like his family. Fred would go to great lengths for his animals and wanted to make sure that they were not without. Fred loved all of his animals but his dog Lacey was his favorite. He also spent time building birdhouses and feeders and enjoyed giving them to people so that they could to enjoy the wildlife.
He was predeceased by sister, Ellen Rice; and granddaughter Crystalle Rose Johnson.
Survivors include his life partner of 30 years, Evelyn Winchenbach of Waldoboro; children, Fred and wife Theresa of Jacksonville, Fla., Rose and husband Bobby of Damariscotta, Margaret and husband Mark of Auburn; stepchildren, Neil of Waldoboro, Scot and companion Brenda of Waldoboro, Alisa and husband Lee of Waldoboro, and Lynette and husband Larry of Thomaston; grandchildren, Larry, Miranda, David, and Nichole; great-grandson, Trevor; many step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Arthur and family, Stuart and family, and Edwin and family; and sister, Mary and family.
A time of remembrance and visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Thurs., Aug. 14 at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Fri., Aug. 15 at Riverside Cemetery with Rob Gregory officiating.
Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, 27 Atlantic Hwy., PO Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories, and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories page at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Services are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro.
