Gwendolyn Andersen has passed away at the age of 89. She was the mother of our current Treasurer, Charlene Andersen. I did not personally know Gwendolyn or her husband Donald but after reading her obituary I wish I’d had a chance to get to know this couple. They were Clary Lake Association members “back in the day” long before I got involved with the Association. Looking through old association records I find Gwendolyn and Donald’s names on a membership list from the year 1999 which is as far back as I have digital records. Charlene’s parents and grandparents bought adjoining camps on the west shore of the lake off Hornpout Lane back in the early 1960s which are still in the family today. By 2020, the main Andersen camp was getting pretty tired and Charlene and her sister Pennilyn were able to engage the Maine Cabin Masters to give their camp a new lease on life (see Episode 603 of Season 6). There is a 40 minute video of the project supposedly available on various subscription services (I just watched it on Hulu). Gwendolyn makes an appearance at the end of the video to see the completed project.

The Board offers their condolences to Charlene and her family for the loss of their mother. Gwendolyn’s official obituary can be found at the Cota Funeral Home website. It is duplicated in part here. Continue reading →

Bill was a talented and accomplished individual. We’re still using the “Ice Cream Social” signs he made for us. He will be missed. This Obituary can be found at Direct Cremation of Maine.

WHITEFIELD – William Corliss McKeen of Whitefield, Maine passed away on January 8th at his home with his beloved wife, Susan, by his side. He was born in Millinocket, Maine on February 16, 1941, the son of Edwin and Verna McKeen. He graduated from Camden High School in 1959.

Bill was a graphic designer, painter, genealogist, history buff and a collector of coins, guns, diecast car models, books and antiques. Bill’s interests were boundless. He began his professional career at the age of 5 when he sold his first painting at the corner store in Rockport. Bill went on to become a maker of hand-painted signs. His design talents soon took him to Presque Isle where he became television art director at WAGM TV. Soon after he put his many talents together as a newspaper designer at The Aroostook Star Herald in Presque Isle, Courier Gazette in Rockland and the Coastal Journal in Bath where he became owner and  publisher. After selling the Coastal Journal Bill formed an advertising agency, McKeen & Associates in Bath. His next project took him full circle back to producing signs, but this time using digital technology, by forming Minuteman Signs located in Augusta. Continue reading →

Our love and compassion go out to Hillary Relyea and her husband Ben Gerdts over the loss of  their son Harvey earlier this month. He was just shy of 5 years old. Hillary sent me this news and some pictures this morning and asked if I would share with our Clary community.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved son, Harvey Jennison, who left us too soon on January 2nd. He brought boundless joy and laughter into our lives with his inquisitive nature, love of art and puzzles, and compassion for all. His smile, always accompanied by a twinkle in his eye, was a reflection of his vibrant, infectious happiness. He cherished his family and embraced his role as a big brother and oldest cousin. Though Harv’s time with us was too brief, the love and memories we shared will forever remain in our hearts. Continue reading →

It is with sadness that I report the passing of a good friend and another long time Clary Lake Association member. He died at home the afternoon of Wednesday, January 8th. He was proud of his Scottish heritage. More to follow.