Surrounded by loving family, Rupert Rowe Huntoon, former resident of Damariscotta, passed peacefully on July 15 in Sugar Land, Tex.
Born June 8, 1913, he was a devoted son of Harry Otto and Hazel Amanda Rowe Huntoon.
He was educated in Rangeley Schools and graduated from Kent’s Hill Academy, class of 1932.
Mr. Huntoon attended Farmington Teachers College, and went on to study banking and finance through the American Institute of Banking.
He was a driver for the Triangle Bus Line for 10 years, and later joined the Rangeley Trust Company in 1947. After 27 years, he retired in 1974 from the Rangeley branch of the Maine National Bank as a respected manager and loan officer. He was known for his work ethic and concern for the circumstances of others.
He had many hobbies and interests, including hunting, fishing, golfing, and photography. He excelled in sports, especially baseball, basketball, and track. A life-long golfer, he played courses throughout his travels in the United States, Bermuda, and the British Isles. His favorite course was always the home course in Rangeley where he scored holes-in-one on both the 2nd and 10th holes.
He traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Alaska, and cruised the Caribbean, including the Panama Canal.
An active community member, his service included membership in the Rangeley Free Baptist Church for many years, serving as Superintendent of the Sunday school, choir member, and Deacon. He was a member of the Kemankeag Lodge #213, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for 65 years, and he served as Master for two years. Mr. Huntoon also served as local treasurer for several years for the Salvation Army.
During his years as a banker, he had the pleasure of being responsible for the disbursement of funds from the Aaron Soule Trust for Needy Children. With the assistance of Velma Lee Wilcox, each Christmas he took boys and girls shopping for necessary clothing, as directed by the trust.
He served the Rangeley community as a volunteer fireman, contributed time and effort to many charitable organizations, including many years as a blood donor.
Mr. Huntoon was a devoted family man. He married Doris Phillips Kidder on June 15, 1940, and remained her loving husband for 55 years, until her death in 1995.
He leaves behind two children, Harland R. Huntoon and wife Kathy of San Antonio, Tex., and Kathryn Ella Cook, Sugar Land, Tex.; grandchildren, Kimberly Ann Morin of San Antonio, Tex., Edward Thomas Cook, Jr. and wife Gianina of Austin, Tex., Amy Crume and husband Jason of Iwa Beach, Hawaii, and Kathryn McLain and husband Phillip of Plano, Tex.; five great-grandchildren and was especially delighted to have met his latest great-grandchild, Amelia Katelyn Cook of Austin, Tex.
Mr. Huntoon will be greatly missed by all who knew him, including his faithful companion cat, Sneakers.
Visitation 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Sat., July 21 at the Rangeley Free Baptist Church in Rangeley. Funeral will follow at 2 p.m., with burial at the Evergreen Cemetery, Rangeley.
Reception will be held at the church following the burial service.
Flowers are welcome and can be arranged by Richards Florist, Farmington (207-778-3401), or Mountain Greenery in Rangeley (207-864-2000).
In lieu of flowers, memory donations can be made to the Rangeley Historical Society, Rt. 16, Dead River Rd., P.O. Box 740, Rangeley, ME 04970 or Rangeley Free Baptist Church, P.O. Box 197, Rangeley, ME 04970.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strong Funeral Home, Damariscotta.
