Elwood MacDougall Beach, 95, of Raymond, ME died Tuesday evening, May 28, 2024 peacefully in his sleep.
He was born on Apr. 4, 1929, in Canada, the son of Harry L. and Annie C. MacDougall Beach. Graduating from Deering High School in Portland in 1947 and from the University of Maine Orono in 51 with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served as a 2nd Lt.
On Aug. 23, 1952 he married Virginia "Ginny" Norton in Portland. He and Ginny lived throughout the United States as he worked as a papermaker for a number of different companies.
In retirement they enjoyed half of the year in Raymond on the lake and the other half in Raleigh, enjoying countless friends and activities in both places.
Elwood was an active member of Rotary International, TAPPI, Boy Scouts of America, RWPA, Maine Audubon Loon Project as the regional coordinator, the alumni associations of Deering High and UMO as well as several churches across the country, most recently a strong supporter and congregant of East Raymond Chapel.
When not climbing through paper machines (retiring at age 82 as a consultant), he enjoyed travel with his wife Virginia, woodworking (creating among other projects a cedar strip kayak and redwood canoe) and bagpiping. Both he and Virginia were involved musically in handbell choirs and orchestras in many cities.
Elwood's three children loved him greatly as he did them. His daughters Katherine Beach Mithoefer, Linda Beach Bible (husband Marty) and his son David. He leaves five grandsons: Scott, Kurt and Trent Mithoefer, Christopher (wife Michelle) and Nicholas Bible. He also leaves great grandchildren Barrett and Korie Bible, children of Nicholas and Michele; as well as Zachary, Claire, and Ella Mithoefer, children of Kurt and Nichole.
The service was held at East Raymond Chapel on June 5th.
Donations may be made in memory of Elwood to the Beach Family Scholarship at the University of Maine Foundation, 2 Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04459-5792.
Condolences and tributes may be shared with Elwood's family at www.hallfuneralhome.net.
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