Albert Eastman Obituary (1917 - 2003)

VASSALBORO -- Albert Clinton Eastman, 86 passed away Dec. 10, 2003, at home in Vassalboro surrounded by family members. He was born in Augusta on Oct. 15, 1917, to Alfred Clifton Eastman and Gertrude Smith Eastman. Albert graduated from Cony High School in 1935 and Gates Business College in 1937. He was employed at the Edwards Division of Bates Manufacturing Co. in Augusta for more than 25 years, Cives Steel in Augusta for many years and Maine Coal Co. in Hallowell. During World War II, from 1942 to 1945, he served in the Army, 36th Finance Disbursing Section, deployed in North Africa, Italy and France. He was a parish member of Riverside Congregational Church and taught Sunday school for many years. He was also known for ringing the church bell on Sunday mornings, for playing music during church services and for singing hymns with a wonderful bass voice. He played the tuba in the Augusta Cadet Band for many years, serving as the band's treasurer and for a short time as director. For the past 25 years, he has played the tuba and most recently the bass drum in the Hallowell Community Band, rehearsing weekly and playing numerous concerts and parades around the state. He was a member of the Bethlehem Lodge 35 AF&AM for more than 50 years. Albert was a generous person and had a strong sense of justice. He maintained friendships and reached out to people who were down on their luck, even if all he had to give was a smile or a ride home. In his school days, he frequently told his friends, 'Smile; be happy!' When camping in bad weather, he cheerfully announced, 'It never rains on me!' He wore hats, spoke French and was always ready to play a tune on a horn or a whistle. He especially enjoyed spending time with his brother, George, and they frequently played music together. He danced often. He was a devoted husband, father and member of the community. Many will miss him. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Louise Charlotte Seehagen Eastman; daughters, Marie Eastman and her partner, Randy Lindsey, of Lisbon Falls, Martha Eastman and her partner, Victoria Kane, of Bangor, and Margaret Eastman of Stillwater, Okla.; a brother, George M. Eastman Sr. of East Pittston; a sister, Ruth Eastman Lee of Manchester; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Alfred C. Eastman Jr. and Lorenzo Deroyce Eastman; sisters Harriet G. Eastman and Roxanna Eastman Dalton; and a daughter, Charlotte Alberta Eastman. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Riverside Congregational Church in Vassalboro. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Maine Alzheimer's Association, 163 Lancaster St., Suite 160B, Portland 04101-2406, or the American Lung Association of Maine, P.O. Box 2109, Augusta 04338-2109. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. www.khrfuneralhomes.com