Jere L. Coosard, 85, long time resident of East Boothbay, passed away March 25.
The son of the late Amy Quackenbush and Everard Coosard of Saginaw, Mich., Jere was born Sept. 14, 1924. He was raised in Saginaw, Mich., worked for General Motors, sailed on the Great Lakes aboard an Iron Orr Freighter, and in 1944 joined the U.S. Navy. During his military service, he sailed many places in the world, but truly enjoyed his experiences throughout the islands in the South Pacific, and shared many stories about his time at sea.
In the early 60s he moved to East Boothbay, opened a diner in a small building in the parking lot of Lobsterman’s Wharf, (the building is still there today). “The Village Diner” was a favorite spot for local shipyard workers and natives to the area. During this time he met Millie (who became his wife of 45 years). He later worked for Goudy & Stevens Shipyard, and helped build the sailing vessel The America. For 19 years he worked as the Maintenance Superintendent for the East Boothbay Water District, he served in this capacity until his retirement in 1988. Jere was known to many as “The Waterman.” He also was a caretaker for numerous cottages at Boothbay Shores and Ocean Point. His favorite vacation spots were Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. In his later years, Jere and Millie could be found most evenings at Ocean Point watching the sunset.
Jere served for many years as a member on the Boothbay Fire Department, a Constable for the Town of Boothbay, a Notary Public, and a member of the Bay View Masonic Lodge.
His wife Millie predeceased him Dec 9, 2009.
He leaves behind his favorite nephew, Michael Coosard of Wheeler, Mich.; stepdaughters; Lynn Gilley Orne of Southport, Lorna Gilley Morse of Hershey, Penn., Marie Gilley Lydecker of Sarasota, Fla., Patricia Fry of Duncannon, Penn. and Kathy Getchell of Littleton, Col.; numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews; and brother; David Coosard.
Visiting hours 5-7 p.m., Wed., April 14 at Simmons, Harrington, and Hall Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay. Masonic and memorial service 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bay View Masonic Lodge, #196 AF & AM, P.O. Box 634, East Boothbay, ME 04544.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Boothbay.
