Charles Keoskie

Charles Auby Keoskie, formerly of Bethel, passed away Feb. 6, 2013 at the Maine Veterans' Home.

Charlie was born Nov. 5, 1922 in New York City. He grew up in Miami, Fl., and attended military school at a very young age. He loved to swim and became a champion diver.

He graduated from John B. Stetson University in Deland, Fla., Shortly after he graduated in 1942, he joined the Navy Air Corps and was stationed in Washington. It was during this time that he met “the love of his life,” Mary Robertson of Bethel. They were married for 67 years.

He became a pilot and was waiting for his deployment to the South Pacific when the war ended.

Charlie and Mary moved to Bethel where they purchased their home and raised their family.

He was at that time employed at the Grafton Lumber Company as General Manager. A few years later he joined Newton and Tebbets Dowel Mill and soon became part owner. He worked there for many years. Charlie was also involved with his son, Bill, in the operation of Kingfield Wood Products in Kingfield. He was a very active member in the Freemasonry and also involved in the Kora Shrine. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and was an avid and well- known golfer, playing in both Maine and Florida.

He was predeceased by his wife Mary on Feb. 5, 2011; his son, William R. Keoskie on Sept. 12, 2011; and his daughter, Carol White Morin on Nov. 3, 2011. He is survived by three grandsons, Martin White, Darren White and Robert Keoskie; two granddaughters, Dorraine White Diebold and Shelley Keoskie Peterson; six great- grandsons; seven great-granddaughters; and many nephews and nieces. Also, Jackie Keoskie Schuesler, guardian for Charlie; a brother-in-law, Fenton (Buster) Robertson; a sister-in-law, Helen Cummings; and many good friends in Maine and in Florida. Charlie will be greatly missed. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com

Charlie will be interred at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, N.Y., at the convenience of the family. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in Charlie’s name can be sent to: The Ryan Windham Benefit Fund, Northeast Bank, P.O. Box 850, Bethel, ME 04217. (Ryan is a young man, family member, recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis).