In Memoriam

On Thursday, March 14 Henry James Gartley passed away at the age of 64. Henry was known for his dedication to the Houlton community, his creative pursuits, and perhaps most of all, his sense of humor..

Henry was born in Houlton on September 27, 1959 to parents Irene Clinkard Gartley and Hazen E. Gartley. He grew up in Houlton and married Marion McLaughlin on December 26, 1981. Together they raised two children, Elizabeth and Matthew, who were the lights of his life.

Henry was a skilled woodworker who apprenticed at Joy in Wood in Topsham, Maine, and then returned to Houlton and managed Houlton International until its closure in 2003. Despite this unexpected challenge, he then worked as a meat cutter at County Yankee Grocery and as custodian at Houlton Post Office, where he worked his way up to Postmaster. He retired from that position in 2022.

Henry loved his hometown and was passionate about local history. He served on the Board of Directors for the Aroostook Historical and Art Museum. He has been an active member and supporter of community organizations including the Cary Library, the County Co-op, the Elks Club, and the Church of the Good Shepherd. He kept a home workshop and continued making furniture throughout much of his life. Many family members and friends keep Henry’s works in their homes. Henry was also a talented photographer, and his interests in history and photography led him to take up photo restoration. In recent years, he also took up watercolor painting and even won several awards at the Houlton Fair.

Henry was such a renowned storyteller, that people tell stories about Henry telling stories. Henry seemed to know everyone in Houlton and everyone in Houlton seemed to know Henry. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the whole community.

Henry was predeceased by his father, Hazen, and mother, Irene. He is survived by his children Elizabeth and Matthew, his wife Marion, his sisters Valerie and Lois, and cousins, nieces and nephews in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

[ << About | In Memoriam | Contact >>]