On Sept. 12, a funny man with a gentle soul passed away with his loving family by his side. He was very brave and strong, and he loved his family dearly.
Howard Justin Gamage was born on May 22, 1928 in his family home, located at beautiful Back Cove, New Harbor, to parents Charles and Effie Gamage. He had an older sister, Eva Gamage Hall Thompson.
Howard attended Bristol schools, and he honorably served in the U.S. Army as a corporal during the Korean War. Upon his return, he held various jobs in Maine and Connecticut. He then worked for many years as a crew member on the yacht Pandora IV, owned by R.L Ireland, sailing between Halifax, Nova Scotia and Nassau, Bahamas.
On June 1, 1963 he and Marjorie were married. They made their home in New Harbor, and he loved being a stepfather for her three children, creating many happy memories of family outings and gatherings. He always had a story to tell, and often a practical joke. For many years, “Punk” and Marj enjoyed their camper and spending winters in various parts of Florida. They made many friends there, and up and down the east coast.
Howard was a 50-year member of the Masons, Bristol Lodge #74, and the American Legion.
Howard was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie Corliss Hope Gamage in January 2013; and nieces, Marjorie Ilves Gordon and Phyllis Collamore.
Howard is survived by daughters, Carolyn H. (“Lyn”) Prentice and husband Dale, and Janet H. Verney and husband Jeff; son, Steven R. Hope; and beloved grandchildren, Hope Prentice, Kristina and Johanna Verney, Miranda Hope, Justin Bailey, Amber B. Hutchinson; and great-grandchildren, William Robert, Lexy, Taylor, and Violet; sister-in-law, Eleanor Scott; great-niece, Linda Sawyer; as well as several other nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to celebrate Howard’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Sun., Sept. 22 at the Congregational Church of Bristol. A reception will follow the service, also at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Howard’s memory be made to the Bristol First Responders, 104 South Side Rd., New Harbor, ME 04554.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
