GILMAN NORRIS FRIEND
NEWPORT – Gilman N. Friend, 82, passed away December 11, 2010 at his High Street residence. He was born September 23, 1928 in Newport at the family home, a son of Norris and Isabel (Cooper) Friend. He lived out his life at his High Street home, the fourth generation of Friends and Coopers to do so.

Gil attended Newport Elementary School and graduated from New Hampton [NH] Academy. He graduated from Bowdoin College, Class of 1951. He attended Tuft’s Medical School in Boston for two years, before deciding that medicine was not for him. He wanted to be a salesman.

His first job was delivering and taking orders for beer. He eventually joined the family business, Friend and Friend, selling Ford and Mercury automobiles and managing a Mobil Oil distributorship. In 1968, Gil started and established the Friend and Friend Honda dealership which is still in existence today. After becoming a licensed realtor he purchased Pine Cone Realty at the triangle in Newport. He felt fortunate to be able to walk through his home town to his place of business, selling real estate until he was 76.

He married the former Joyce Wilson of Wellesley, MA. They raised four children together: Nathan lives in New Hampshire with his wife Judy and their sons, Justin, Matthew and Adam. Dana lives at Sugarloaf Mountain with his wife Wendy and sons Tucker and Wilson. Daughter Tracey Moore lives in South Freeport with husband Ron and daughter Lauren. Daughter Trina lives in Boston.

Gil married his friend Donna later in life. They had a wonderful life together traveling, cooking together, and summers spent at their Lake Wassokeag home filled with kids, cook outs and kayaks. Gil served many years as moderator for the Town of Newport and actively served in the Newport Historical Society. He was a longtime notary public and justice of the peace and delighted in marrying numerous couples. A lifelong Mason, he was a 50 year member of Meridian Splendor Lodge #49, a life member of the Royal Arch Chapter #28, St. John’s Commandery, the Scottish Rite, Bangor and Portland, Shrine International, and served as potentate of the Anah Shrine in 1976.

He served as first Chairman of the Board of Directors, Sebasticook Valley Hospital, Pittsfield, and was one of several area businessmen and women who were instrumental in the hospital’s founding.

He will be missed by many, friends and family, especially Donna, who has lost her greatest companion, friend and love.

Friends may call from 6-8 P. M. Tuesday at Crosby & Neal, 117 Main Street, Newport, where a Masonic service will be held at 7 PM. Funeral services will be held 1 PM Wednesday, December 15th at High Street Church, Newport, with Pastor Al H. Worden officiating.

Spring burial will be in the family lot, Riverside Cemetery, Newport.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shrine Burn Center, c/o Anah Shrine, P. O. Box 735, Bangor, ME 04402. Those who wish may leave written condolences a www.CrosbyNeal.com.