Obituary of Freedom Otis Harvey

FREEDOM OTIS HARVEY, 73 of Hampden, passed away peacefully at EMMC with his family by his side on the night of February 18, 2012. Freedom was born in Holden July 11, 1938, the son of Viola Merle (Hall) and Willis Patten Harvey Jr. He grew up in Holden and at the age of 17 went into the Army. He served from 1955 to 1957. Upon honorable discharge, he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal. After serving in the Army, he returned to Holden where he became a wood cutter and hauled wood. He later moved to Stockton Springs where he began driving truck for the town department. A couple years later, he started driving for Alan Rooks where he drove truck for years. Although driving truck was his primary job, he still continued to cut and haul wood. While living in Stockton, he became a volunteer fire fighter for the Stockton Fire Department where he served from 1973-1989. His truck he drove was known as “The Big Tanker”. He was proud to talk about how he helped in a couple of big fires that are still talked about to this day. He moved to Hampden in 1989 where he continued to drive truck for many years ending his last 18 years with Hughes Bros. due to health problems. Freedom enjoyed and looked forward to going hunting every year with his son, Willis, fishing, family gatherings, especially holidays and socializing over coffee with friends in the trailer park where he will be sadly missed. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Francina Gladys Jipson and a great grandson Jayden Kimball. He is survived by his son Willis Newbert and wife Marcia of Searsport, his daughter Fran White and husband Billy of Belfast, step-daughters Edith Newbert and Penny Dodge and a step-son Ralph Newbert; his sister Mildred Arlene Carrow of Carmel, a brother Robert Fred Harvey and wife of Holden, several grandchildren; great-grandchildren and an extra special companion through the years, his cat Fluffernutter and many, many friends. A special thank you to the staff on Grant 4 at Eastern Maine Medical Center for the special care and extra time they gave to Freedom and to Eden, an R.N. who was of great support and love towards the end. Thank you to all of you. There will be graveside services at Rowe Cemetery in Holden in the spring for family and friends. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast. On-line condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com