South Berwick – Eugene F. Collind of South Berwick, Maine, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Academy Street on November 2, 2018, following a period of declining health. Gene was born in 1926 in Clinton, Maine, the son of Rev. John and Ruth Pinkerton Collind.
After being educated in public schools, Gene served honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Gene attended the University of Maine in Orono, from which he graduated in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Following graduation, he moved to Dover, N.H., and worked at Kidder Press for 22 years, then Davidson Rubber, which later became Davidson Textron, for 23 years.
Gene was a lifelong lover of classical music and a longtime participant in the South Berwick Community Chorus, where he performed a solo of “Old Man River,” and the choir of the First Parish Federated Church. As part of the church choir, he sang in a barbershop quartet with his friend Bob Page and his lifelong friend Rev. Jim Christianson. He was an active member of the church, supporting its ministries by serving as treasurer on the board of deacons, on the social action and mission board, and as a church representative on the board of the Family Pastoral Counseling Service of the Dover-Rochester area.
For 17 years, Gene was a volunteer driver for the Meals on Wheels program run by the Federated Church. Having raised six children, Gene knew the value of education and reading, and he spent more than 20 years volunteering at Central Elementary School, where he was a reader and reading tutor to students. When the children of the school presented him with praise for his service, there were over 500 children present. Gene considered that his proudest and most joyful moment.
Gene could often be found at the South Berwick Dunkin’ Donuts, where he enjoyed many hours discussing world affairs with his numerous friends, many of whom referred to him as “Professor.” Over the last 10 years, he could be found at Dunkin’ Donuts with his friend Pat Seavey. They always said they’d be lost without each other; Pat predeceased Gene by four days. We are certain they are now discussing world affairs at the big Dunkin’ Donuts in the sky!
Gene is survived by his sons, Douglas of La Jolla, Calif., Glen of Fletchers Landing, Maine, John of Rochester, N.H., and Bruce of Portland, Maine, and his daughter Barbara Collind Batson of Wells, Maine, as well as six grandchildren, Kandee and Eric Collind, Anastasia Quill, and Matthew, Myles, and Andrew Batson. He was predeceased by daughter Stacia of Portland, Maine.
A memorial service will be held in the spring.
Arrangements are with Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com