HOPE — Everett Sidney Crabtree, 87, died peacefully in his sleep Jan. 24, 2014. Born in Rockland May 22, 1926, he was the son of Raymond E. and Elsie (Watson) Crabtree and he grew up in Hope. Everett excelled in school and graduated at the age of 15 from Union High School. He was drafted at the age of 17 and served two years in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theatre with the 80th Infantry Division. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart and other numerous medals and was honorably discharged in 1946, attaining the rank of sergeant.

In April 1950, Everett married Lucy Watmough. Together they raised nine children. He spent his entire life raising blueberries, which he referred to as "an expensive hobby." For 32 years he worked for Rankin Grain Company, and later at Passmore Lumber Company/EBS in Camden, where he worked for 33 years. During his time at EBS, he affectionately became known as the "paint expert." In 2006, EBS dedicated their new addition at the store to Everett and named it after him. Retiring at the age of 83, Everett continued his work on the farm.

Everett will be remembered as a thoughtful, intelligent and honorable man. He enjoyed classical music, art, reading, golf and hunting. He possessed a keen sense of humor and a sharp wit while maintaining a strong, independent spirit. 

The Crabtree family would like to thank all of his caregivers at the Togus VA Hospital, especially the staff on the Dialysis Unit.

Surviving is his wife, Virginia; his nine children, Thomas Crabtree and his wife, Lynn, Timothy Crabtree and his wife, Ann, Ted Crabtree and his wife, Brenda, Todd Crabtree and his wife, Shelley, Elaine Gertner and her husband, John, Catherine Roberts and her husband, Bernie, Cindy Adolphsen and her husband, Curtis, Terry Crabtree and his wife, Celeste, and Jane Crabtree; his former wife, Lucy Crabtree; five stepdaughters, Sally Barrett, Helen Barrett, Edna Mahan, Jane Barrett and Jean Barrett; 31 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by five siblings, Robert Crabtree, Philip Crabtree, Rita Grinnell Elliott, John Crabtree; and his wife, Virginia, and Claire Frye; and many, many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Kenneth and Richard "Dick" Crabtree.

In keeping with his wishes, private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to PAWS, P.O. Box 707, Rockport, ME 04856 or to Maine Coast Heritage Trust/Aldermere Farm, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 201, Topsham, ME 04086-9800.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Camden.