Earl H. Libbey

Earl H. Libbey, 93, of Square Pond, Shapleigh, died peacefully Thursday afternoon, January 12, 2006, at the Newton Center in Sanford, surrounded by his family, following a brief illness.Mr. Libbey was born September 8, 1912 in Sanford, the second of six children to Carl D. and Louva Smilie Libbey of Sanford. He married Ethel Stackpole on December 24, 1935 and was blessed with over 60 years of marriage. She died on November 17, 1998. He was a well-known and respected plumber for many years and with his wife, owned Libbey's Plumbing and Heating, operating out of their Springvale home.Mr. Libbey led a full and energetic life until the time of his death, often saying that he had been retired as many years as he had worked. He built several cottages at Square Pond and resided most recently in the one he had built in 1934, where he and his late wife had spent their summers. He loved the outdoors, and those who knew him marveled whenever they saw him this past summer riding his jet ski on the lake, using his four-wheeler to launch his boat into the water, or riding his snowmobile last winter. He was always learning, always curious, always lending a helping hand or giving someone useful advice. He had an easy-going personality, loved life, and took one day at a time, and considered each new day as a precious gift. He had many friends, young and "not so young."Mr. Libbey graduated from Sanford High School in 1931 and with just a handful of classmates remaining, met every summer for a class reunion. Following graduation, he worked as a fireman in the Goodall Sanford Textile Mills power plant from 1931 to 1944. In 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served until 1947. After completing his term in the military, Mr. Libbey began his plumbing business, which he would operate until his retirement in 1974.Mr. Libbey was a member of Preble Lodge No. 143 Masonic lodge in Sanford, a 32nd degree Mason, a member of Kora Shrine Temple in Lewiston, and a life member of Ruth Chapter No. 14, OES in Springvale. He was a longtime member of the Springvale First Baptist Church, a member of the Springvale Fish and Game Club and a former member of the Maine Plumber's association.Mr. Libby was predeceased by his parents, his wife, brothers Guy, Stanley, and Carleton (Mike) Libbey, and a sister Genola Marshall.He is survived by a brother, Bryce O. Libbey of Shapleigh, a niece, Gale Michaud, her husband, Robert, and a daughter, Kristen, of Sanford, and other nephews and nieces. A memorial service will be held at Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, located at 580 Main Street, in Springvale, at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 17, 2006. Interment will be held in the spring at Oakdale Cemetery in Sanford. To send a message of condolence go to the "condolence" tab on the left.