STRATTON, ME- Bruce W. Arnold, 72 of Stratton Maine Passed away Saturday the 20th of June at Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington Maine. He is survived by his daughter Christina Stone and her husband Barry Stone of Waldfischbach-Burglaben, Germany, grandson Caleb Arnold of Limington, Maine, twin brother and wife Stanley and Sandy Arnold of The Villages, FL, a cousin Polly Parker of Stuart, FL, three step daughters Elaine, Deanna and Charlene and several nieces and nephews.
He was born in Brewer, Maine to Everett and Helen Arnold. He graduated from Deering High School in Portland Maine 1961, and from Maine Maritime Academy Castine, Maine in 1965. He was a Lt. in the US Navy Reserves. He also received a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Southern Maine.
While still in high school Bruce, his brother Stan and some of their high school buddies built a small camp at Sugarloaf Mountain where they enjoyed spending time skiing Sugarloaf Mountain with their friends throughout college. In the late 60’s he built a larger camp for his family in the same area and enjoyed spending time there hunting, fishing, canoeing and skiing on the weekends.
He spent many years at sea as a second mate for Texaco, Union Oil and AT & T. Bruce taught math at Bonny Eagle High School for 9 years where he enjoyed coaching the girls softball team. He was also the Captain of the whale watching boat The Odyssey and deep sea fishing boat The Indian II in Casco Bay for several summers.
He was a very hard worker, always on the go. He was constantly working in and around the house and loved to tell everyone just how many cords of wood he had split for the winter.
Bruce was an avid outdoorsman and had a great respect for nature and all wildlife. You never knew what kind of injured animal he would bring home to nurture back to health. He enjoyed annual Memorial Day weekend canoe trips in Eustis Maine and camping with many friends and family.
He enjoyed fly fishing and was happiest in one of his many canoes on the lakes and streams of the Stratton area. He spent many hours taking care of Arnold’s Bog and the beavers he tried so hard to protect. He was very proud to have one of his beavers put on display at LL Bean in Freeport.
Bruce loved to talk to people and had an endless amount of stories to tell from his days of sailing and traveling the world. He would stop anyone on the street or in the grocery store and strike up a conversation. He always had a twinkle in his eye and was ready to tell you a story. Anyone who met him once was not likely to forget him!!
Private services for immediate family will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are with Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service – Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com