BRUNSWICK — Douglas Carmichael passed away on March 26.
He was born in Greewich, Connecticut in 1923, the son of George and Helen Carmichael. He will be remembered for his philosophical outlook on life, gentle humor, delight in good food, fondness for travel, passion for Scottish history and Arthurian legend, and love of family.
He married Helen Sanborn Edgerly (1926-1971) in 1949, who bore him three children. After her death, he later married Emma Robertson Grant; medical personnel in the Brunswick area, as well as family, will remember him for the devoted care he gave her during her long, final illness.
He graduated from the Brunswick School in Greenwich, received a B. A. from Bowdoin in 1946 (his attendance being interrupted by military service during World War II), an M.A. from Harvard, and a Ph.D. (1954) in philosophy from Indiana University. He subsequently taught several subjects at the Loomis School in Windsor, Connecticut and St. Mark’s School, Dallas, Texas; then exclusively philosophy at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana; U Mass Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts; Indiana University in Jeffersonville, Indiana; and St. Lawrence University (1958- 1984) in Canton, New York, where he served as a tenured Professor and as Chairman of the Philosophy Department for many years. He wrote a number of scholarly articles, including a translation of the Italian philosopher Pico della Mirandola’s ‘On the Dignity of Man,’ some short stories, and an historical novel, "Pendragon" (1977).
After retiring, he moved to The Highlands in Topsham, Maine. He enjoyed performances by the Portland Symphony Orchestra, The Portland Stage Company, and the Maine State Music Theater. He travelled extensively throughout Western Europe and also made trips to Egypt, East Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tahiti. He had a particular love for Scotland, which he visited at least four times.
He is survived by three children: Douglas A. Carmichael, Megan C. Perry, and Elspeth C. Williams and three grandchildren: Lauren E. Perry, Brandon M. Perry, and Alison E. Perry. He is also survived by three stepchildren: Chris Grant, Susie Diachok, and Jo Werner.
Services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Brackett Funeral Home, Brunswick, ME.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Maine State Library Talking Books Program, State House Station # 64, Augusta ME 04333. Checks should be made out to Maine State Library Talking Books Program.
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