Frank (known as Hondo and Coyote to friends) was born on Father’s Day June 18, 1944 in Waterville, Maine the son of Linwood H. and Doris (White) Meader. He died peacefully on September 22, 2015 at his home of 42 years in Cape Elizabeth. Frank and Penney were married in South Portland February 19, 1966. After moving to Spruce Street at the age of 6 he attended Rosa True School , Butler School, King Jr, Portland High School, and Westbrook Junior College. After proudly serving and being honorably discharged from the US Marines Frank went to work at the Portland Water District. His job was his life. He loved big city Portland and thought nothing of jumping in his truck and riding down Congress Street up onto the Eastern Prom and down Commercial Street. Frank joined the Portland Water District on April 8, 1965, as a laborer. Over his 48-year career, he earned several promotions and served in various capacities in the Water Service Department including foreman, distribution supervisor, and utility asset coordinator. He retired on August, 30, 2013.
In 2012, Frank was recognized by the Board of Trustees as the longest tenured employee in the District’s history since acquiring the operations of the Portland Water Company. Anyone who knew Frank knew how dedicated he was to his work. He is remembered as a friend, mentor, and leader to generations of “his boys” on the crews, who he continuously challenged to do better to ensure that the District got the very best service. “He expected a lot, but when the day was done, we would just hang out, throw a Frisbee, have fun,” recalls Jay Arnold, who worked on one of Frank’s crews. “Frank never forgot the children either, he would always hand out $5 bills to our children at Christmas time. Even my daughter remembers skiing with Uncle Frank -- him sitting on the snow bank along the “Swirl” trail at Killington, taking a break. Funny thing was, he loved skiing, but he was just terrible at it.”
Frank Meader played a central role in the installation of 549 miles of the Portland Water District’s water distribution pipe. One particular project he proudly recalled for a commemorative centennial booklet was the Submerged Great Diamond Line. He was very proud of the cost-effective and innovative project that inserted 7,214 foot of fiberglass pipe inside the existing, deteriorating pipe.
Frank had an amazing memory and was a walking map of the water distribution system. One of his favorite parts of the job was sharing that knowledge. Countless employees, including Melissa Morris, remembers going for rides in Frank’s Portland Water District truck and stopping at every single asset so he could explain when it was installed and why. “He devoted his life to PWD and its people,” stated Melissa.
Before he retired, Frank was asked what particular project he was most proud of. Frank remembered several large water main projects where his top concern was uninterrupted water service to the customer. In 2005 the water mains surrounding the Maine Medical Center were being replaced in preparation for their new birthing unit. He recalls stopping the project to crawl through the building with the contractor and engineers to investigate the plumbing system.
“For Frank, it was all about relationships, that’s how he got things done!” stated Tim McMullin.
In Frank’s earlier years he loved to play softball, camp, fish, hunt and playing his guitar. At age 42 he and his daughter learned to ski together.
He enjoyed decorating the house for the holidays and loved having block parties. He and his PWD friends formed a band “The Flange” in which he played the guitar. As everyone knows Frank was a people person and never was at a loss for words. FRANK WAS DEFINITELY A ONE OF A KIND!!. He was also an animal lover and leaves behind his cats Teddy and Sophia and great grand dog Ellie.
Frank was pre-deceased by his father and mother. Surviving are his wife Penney (Brawn) Meader of Cape Elizabeth, his treasured daughter Lynne and son-in-law Michael Poole, Granddaughter Amy Poole and Grandson Jacob Poole all of Standish. Also his Uncle Walter of Madison and several dear cousins. Special friends are Dr. John and Marcia Guerin (he called John the son he never had) and Lisa and Joe Hammond. PWD employees and Orchard Road neighbors were family to him. His family would like to thank his Southern Maine Hospice team for their awesome care and kindness! We will always love and miss you –Love You Bye!!
Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Sunday, September 27, 2015 from 3-6 PM at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. There will be a funeral service on Monday, September 28, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home, followed by a reception. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Cape Elizabeth and will be private.
Donations made be made in Frank’s memory to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, PO Box 336 Westbrook ME 04098 or The First Baptist Church (Missions), 360 Canco Road, Portland, Me 04103
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