SKOWHEGAN – Harold Francis Haskins passed away on May 16, 2022 at Redington Fairview Hospital, after an 11-year courageous battle with lung cancer and many other breathing issues, with his family by his side.

He was born in Portsmouth, Va. on June 29, 1947, son of Harold and Mabel (Morris) Haskins. Harold graduated from Lake Shore High School in St. Clair Shores, Mich. and then enlisted in the Marine Corps.

On June 8, 1966 he entered the Marine Corps in Roseville, Mich. After his training he left for Vietnam on Feb. 8, 1967 where he received a Purple Heart for being wounded in action on August 12, 1967. He left Vietnam Feb. 28, 1968. He went to Camp Lejeune in 1968 and extended for two years to go to Brunswick, Maine where he met his wife, Ruth. They were married at Notre Dame De Lourdes Church in Skowhegan on Nov. 29, 1969. He was a Drill Instructor in San Diego, Calif. from 1971 until March of 1973. From there he went to Okinawa until 1974. He was then transferred back to Camo Lejeune, N.C. where he was in the Lima Company until Nov. 25, 1975 when he was honorably discharged. He received many awards while in the Marine Corps.

Harold held various jobs after being honorably discharged, a meat cutter for Shop & Save, Insurance Salesman for Prudential, Car salesman at C&G Motors, Central Maine Motors and Thompson Volkswagen and a credit specialist at Day’s Jewelers.

Harold joined the National Guard in 1984 and retired from the National Guard in September of 1994. He held many positions with the Guards and was promoted to Sargent First Class while being a Platoon Sergeant in Skowhegan. He later was in charge of “Operation Regeneration” in Bangor, Maine for three years. He was in charge of the Rear Detachment in Augusta where he processed Soldiers to do a two-week deployment to Guatemala. As with the Marine Corps, he received many awards with the Maine National Guard.

After his retirement, Harold enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, taking daily rides, getting his daily coffee at the McDonalds drive thru, wood working in his garage, fishing, bingo and playing cards on Saturday night with some very special friends.

Harold was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ruth; daughter Callie Soule and her husband Gregg of Skowhegan; granddaughters, Corrin O’Connor and husband Corey of Westbrook and Cassy Martell and partner Michael Knight of Palmyra; great-granddaughter Waylin Knight; his sister, Bernadette Drehmer and her husband Vernon of Michigan, his brother Ralph Haskins and wife Diane of Iowa; nieces Amy and Hannah, nephews Michael, Matthew, Nathan and James; great niece Emily, great nephews Joseph, Joshua and Oliver; and many special friends.

Harold was a member at Notre Dame De Lourdes, where he was an alter server for funeral masses, Eucharistic minister, and a hospitality greeter. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 2039 and a 4th degree member. Harold was also a life member of the DAV, John McPherson#1, VFW Post 3198 and American Legion Post 16.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Kim and nurses at The Harold Alfond Cancer Center. Also, many thanks to all of his doctors at Togus VA Medical Center for all the care he received since 1990. Thank you to the doctors and nurses at Redington Fairview Hospital for their care, kindness and hospitality to our family.

At Harold’s request, there will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Notre Dame De Lourdes Catholic Church in Skowhegan on May 28 at 10 a.m. Burial with full military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Smart and Edwards Funeral Home, http://www.SmartandEdwardsFH.com

In lieu of flowers,

those who wish may donate in his memory to:

Notre Dame De Lourdes Catholic Church

PO Box 369

Skowhegan, ME 04976 or:

The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge

125 S. Huntington Ave.

Boston, MA 02130 or:

any Veteran’s

Organization

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