Philip T. Chaney, 86, of Edgecomb, died March 28 at Miles Memorial Hospital after a very brief illness, with his family in attendance. Born in Wiscasset July 14, 1922, he graduated from Morse High School, Bath, in the class of 1941. After graduation he went to work for Bath Iron Works, joining the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII, then returning to the Iron Works after the war.
He married Edith Berg of Bath on March 21, 1943. Later moving to Edgecomb in September of 1944, he served as an Edgecomb Selectman for many years, also as Treasurer for the town 1989-1990. He was on Edgecomb’s first planning board and served as its Harbor Master. In 1966, Philip initiated the Woods End Boat Fund, in hopes that the town could one day have its own town landing, a hope that still is not fulfilled.
He was a lifetime member of the Masons, Wiscasset Chapter, Past Commodore and life member of the Wiscasset Yacht Club and Treasurer of the Wawonack Power Squadron. Philip was also a life member of the Appalachian Trail Club, helping to clear miles of trail and building lean-tos and bridges.
In 1960 Philip and Edith built a S.S. Crocker designed 34 foot ketch, named Podebesis. Roaming the Maine coast, venturing to the New York World’s Fair with eight people on board in 1964.
They built a retirement home on the Sheepscott River, where they could watch Podebesis riding at anchor. After retirement in 1984, they traveled to Alaska, Labrador, Newfoundland, Magdalain Islands and many places in between.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years; daughters, Carol and husband Jed Colby, and Gail and husband Michael Woodruff; grandchildren, Stacy Colby Barnes and husband John, Matthew House, and Jed Eben Colby and fiancée, Tory Ann White; four great-granddaughters, Catilyn, Sophie, Susan and Olivia; brother, Kenneth Chaney and wife Marget; and sister, Phyllis Winslow.
At his request, there will be no funeral; there will be a celebration of life at a later date to be announced.
Those who wish may make contributions to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, 27 Atlantic Highway, P.O. Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556 or a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the David E. Desmond Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath.
