Obituary of Harlan E. Knowles

Harlan “Hal” E. Knowles BREWER - Harlan “Hal” Elwood Knowles, passed away on October 2, 2016 at home, surrounded by his family after an extended illness. Harlan, son of Gladwyn and Emma Knowles, was born in Hampden on April 6, 1935 at home on the family farm. He attended Hampden Academy and Bangor High School where he graduated in 1954. After graduation, he joined the US Air Force from 1954 to 1958 as a jet engine technician instructor. Upon discharge, he moved back home for a short while and then moved to San Jose, California where he attended San Jose State College majoring in pre-med, later changing his major to mechanical engineering. It was in San Jose, California that he met and married the love of his life, Andree Bouchard. After the birth of their daughter, Danielle, they moved back to Maine in 1965 and eventually settled in Brewer where they resided for over 40 years. Shortly after moving back, he re-enlisted in the Air National Guard until January of 1970 when he was discharged to pursue different employment. He was employed at Bangor Roofing & Sheet Metal Company for 29 years retiring as Vice President & Operations Manager. After retirement, he purchased and co-owned TBM, Inc. involving testing and balancing of HVAC systems, retiring at the age of 65. Harlan was a member of St. Joseph Church, later St. Paul the Apostle Parish, and he was also a member of the church choir for many years. He was a member of The Knights of Columbus and the Fourth Degree Assembly as well as Past Master of Ralph J. Pollard Lodge #217, AF & AM, Orrington. He was also a Shriner in the Anah Temple where he belonged to the Drum & Bugle Corps as treasurer and was a past member of the Lions Club. Hal and Andree and daughter, Danielle, spent many years traveling and camping in their motorhome which eventually included a cross country trip with daughter, Danielle, her husband, Douglas and at the time, their two children; Cory and Taylor. Later in life, he and Andree traveled throughout the United States and especially enjoyed their trip in Hawaii and several Caribbean cruises. Harlan is survived by his wife of 54 years, Andree M. Knowles, a daughter, Danielle Fogg and son-in-law, Douglas Fogg of Orrington; a grandson, Cory Merrill Fogg of Cary, NC; three granddaughters, Taylor Knowles Fogg and her partner, Ryan Davies and their daughter, Aubrey Knowles Davies of Durham, NC, Ashton Grace Fogg of Orrington and Justice Marie Fogg of Raleigh, NC; a sister, Beverly Veinote; 11 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Gladwyn Knowles, his mother; Emma (Philbrick) Knowles and his sister; Germaine St. Germain. We wish to thank all of the nurses of CHCS Health Services, New Hope Hospice for their excellent care during his illness, especially Deborah Demaso as well as Dr. Sigrid Nowack, Dr. Rebekka Gass, Dr. Donald Bebb and Dr.Paul Ronco for their excellent and caring service. Family and friends may visit 5 – 8 PM Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 at Kiley & Foley Funeral Services, 69 State St., Brewer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 531 North Main St., Brewer. Committal and burial with military honors will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Brewer followed by a reception in St. Joseph Church Center. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Joseph Church, 207 York St., Bangor, ME 04401. Messages and memories may be share with Hal’s family at kileyandfoley.com.