He grew up in Brunswick and cherished his time delivering ice as a youngster for his grandfather, owner of the Fred M. Coffin Ice Co. These were special years spending precious time with his uncle Artie Coffin making deliveries to local stores and homes. He continued on when his uncle Carroll Coffin took over the business. He and his cousin Roger Coffin drove the trucks that pulled the ice up into Carroll’s ice house on the Harpswell Road. He loved sharing these wonderful memories and stories with his entire family.
He was a member of the Brunswick High School class of 1950. He had the good fortune to marry his high school sweetheart Beverly Jean Pollard, also of Brunswick. In 1959, he started a new chapter in his life and moved his family to Portland, Ore. He established EPCO, the successful Elie Painting Company that he operated for well over 40 years. He spent many happy years with his family enjoying adventures on the Oregon coast, fishing, camping, visiting Mt. Hood, and traveling. Fun family gatherings — family was always his utmost priority. He was a devoted husband and father.
He retired to Youngtown, Ariz., from where Fred and Jean’s extensive travels continued in their motor home — north, south, east and west — all over the United States. Their travels included many visits to their hometown of Brunswick, Maine. He enjoyed each and every day and lived life to the fullest.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Beverly Jean (Pollard) Elie of Youngtown, Ariz.; three children, a daughter Mona and her husband Jim Hutchins of Westminster, Md.; two sons Stanley and Glen, both of Portland, Ore.; along with 11 grandchildren and 27 greatgrandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Pamalee and her husband William Labbe of Harpswell, Maine, and Meredith LoSasso of Hammonton, N.J.; his brother Clifford and his wife Judith of Franklinton, La.; sister-in-law Patricia Elie of Bowdoinham, Maine; as well as an aunt, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his grandson, Fred Elie of Westminster, Md., and his brother Arthur of Brunswick, Maine. He was adored by his entire family and he will be deeply missed.
There will be a private graveside service for the family at a future date. Burial will be in Lunt Cemetery in Brunswick, Maine.
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