READFIELD – H. Edward Beach Jr. passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022.

He was born on May 8, 1928, to Harvey E. Beach, Sr. and Doris Rogers Beach in Middleboro, Mass.

Ed moved to Maine when he was a teenager and enlisted in the Marines for two years. He then went to work for the State of Maine Parks Department.

Ed married the love of his life, Adeline “Addie” Beach in 1952 and the two lived a wonderful life together for the next 65 years. These two lovebirds could be found jitterbugging every Saturday night at the Moonglow in Wayne. After 57 years, they were still jitterbugging at their grandson’s wedding reception.

Ed and Addie raised four children while living at several state parks where Ed was the park supervisor (Baxter, Fort Knox, Reid and Sebago). Ed’s fondest memories of his career as a Park Supervisor were of Reid State Park and the very special friends he and Addie made there. Ed eventually became Director for the Maine State Parks and Recreation Dept. and in 1971 he and Addie moved to their beloved home that Ed built himself on Torsey Pond. Ed had a special affinity with the nature and wildlife surrounding his home. He and Addie had the best fed squirrels, deer, geese and other birds in Readfield! They were also blessed with wonderful loving neighbors who became family. Eddie had a special connection with the children and dogs both on Torsey Pond and those who came to visit. He always had a biscuit in his pocket for his furry friends and a hug for his littlest friends.

Ed began woodcarving wildlife in 1984 and quickly established himself as a gifted woodcarver after his retirement from the State in 1988. His favorite subjects were birds in general, and ducks in particular. He sold his woodcarvings at a gallery in Bath but, had trouble keeping up with the demand for his special kind of art. After a while, it got to be work. He found that he liked to just make what he wanted at his own pace. If he knew of someone who wanted one of his carvings, he would make it without telling them and surprise them with a very special gift. Ed won many awards for his woodcarving, wildlife photography and sharpshooting. In 1982 he won the State of Maine’s Standing Champion for his silhouette marksmanship.

Ed was kind, loving and generous towards all who knew him. He gave out of the goodness of his heart and was a happy person with a quick wit. His laughter and happiness were contagious to those around him.

Ed was predeceased by his wife, Addie; parents, Harvey and Doris Beach; brother, Ken Beach; grandson, Michael E. Beach; son-in-law, Tom Shearer.

Ed is survived by son James Beach and wife Sue of Pittston; daughter, Patricia (Pixie) Shearer of Hood River, Ore.; son Howard Beach and wife Cindy of Vassalboro; son Thomas Beach and wife Gaila of Biddeford; his sister Donna Pina; grandchildren, Todd Beach and wife Debbie, Mary Beach and husband Shaun, Matt Beach and wife Lori, Trevor Shearer and wife Megan, Ryan Shearer and wife Micah; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Our family offers heartfelt thanks to Ed’s caregivers; Colleen, Dawn, Tina, Meg, and the wonderful staff at the Captain Lewis Residence. He was always treated with respect, compassion and love. Thank you also to Ed’s Torsey Pond family, especially Dan and Rocky, who were always close by to help make it possible for Ed to live as independently as possible in his beloved home.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., noon, followed by a service at 12 p.m., noon, at Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, One Church Street, Augusta, Maine, 04330. Please dress casually and comfortably.

Ed will be buried beside Addie in Kents Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton Hewins Roberts Funeral Homes and Cremation Care where memories and condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.khrfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: ASPCA,

PO Box 97288,

Washington, DC

20090-7288

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