George A. Chambers

Scarborough- George Asa Chambers, 88, died after a brief illness. The son of Asa B. and Christine (Sorensen) Chambers, he was born in Portland ME on November 27, 1922. After graduation from Westbrook High School in 1941, he was interested in joining the Naval Reserves. Weak eyes, however prevented him from enlisting, so he went to work for a small family dairy , and was later asked to join Oakhurst Dairy. Eager to serve his country after the attack on Pearl Harbor, George tried to enlist in the United States Army. When a miniscule spot of TB was found on one of his lungs at his army physical he was once again prevented from serving. Discouraged but not defeated he enrolled in the United States Coast Guard Temporary Reserves, which was the forerunner of the USCG Auxiliary. Casco Bay and Portland Harbor were put on high alert during WWII and volunteer patrolmen were greatly needed around the clock, and George answered the call. Over the years George has been active as FSO communications and FSO operations. George’s membership in the auxiliary lasted for over 50 years. He was possibly the oldest active member when he died and was certainly the longest running member of Flotilla 21. After 30 years with Oakhurst he left to begin work as a carpenter in the engineering department at the Maine Medical Center. He was a self taught carpenter. He worked at MMC until he retired in 1988 at the age of 65. George enjoyed volunteering at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath demonstrating how to build small boats. He also volunteered at the Portland Harbor Museum , at Merrill Auditorium, as a Portland Symphony orchestra usher, and on the Portland Concert Association. He was a member of the Event Staff at the Expo and worked at the Sea Dogs up until just a few weeks ago. He was predeceased by his longtime companion of twenty years Ramona Martin. He is survived by his brother Frederick W. Chambers and his wife Nellie of Portland, his nephew Carl A. Chambers and his wife Mary Lou of Gorham, two great-nephews Justin Chambers and Evan Chambers and a great-niece Kristin Chambers. He also leaves a close companion Helen Mitchell of Portland. Family and friends are invited to a memorial visitation on Monday October 3, 2011 from 10:00-11:00 AM at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford Street, Portland. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Philip Shearman officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in George’s memory to Hospice of Southern Maine (for Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in memo line) 180 US RTE 1 Scarborough ME 04074. Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign George’s guestbook.