Charles F. Strickland, 85

MOULTONBOROUGH — Charles F. Strickland, 85, of Moultonborough, NH died December 28, 2011 at his home surround by his family, following a brief illness. He leaves his wife of 58 years Patricia (Parsons) Strickland.

He was born on October 18, 1926 in Fowler, CO the son of the late Clarence and Lydia (McCumber) Strickland. He was raised in Colorado in a very large family. He left Colorado to serve in the US Navy during WWII. He was a butcher and cook on an oil tanker in the Pacific Fleet.

He married Pat Parsons in 1953 and they moved to CT in 1954. They lived in Rockville and Wethersfield CT for 41 years. This was where they raised 6 children. He was a permanent resident of Moultonborough for 17 years after spending many years commuting between Connecticut and New Hampshire.

He worked in construction most of his life. He worked as the Superintendent on several high rise jobs in Hartford, CT including the United Bank Building and a dormitory at Trinity College. He was also the superintendent on the Wethersfield High School renovation. At the end of his career Charlie worked as a consultant for the City of New Britain overseeing the Asbestos Abatement at all of the city schools.

Charlie was active with his family and in the community. He was a Boy Scout leader, Indian Guide, Little League coach. He was a member of the Methodist church, first in Wethersfield, where he was on multiple committees, heading up the Strawberry Festival for many years, barbecuing chicken dinner for several hundred people. Later in Moultonborough. He was a member of the Moultonborough United Methodist Church. At the church he was a member of the building expansion and remodeling committee and he was a member of the committee which established the Westwynde Retirement Community. He was a member of the Masons, Shriners, and the Lions. As a Shriner he belonged to the minicar group which drove in parades to raise funds for the Shriner's children's charities. With the Lions Charlie was active in the Moultonboro Lions Club where he was a Past President. He was a Loyal Shepherd Fellow for his service to DogSight, he received a Granite State Award and a Melvin Jones award which is the highest award given in Lions.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia (Parsons) Strickland of Moultonborough, children Sylvia Strickland of New Mexico, Phil and Elaine Strickland of Newington CT Naomi Strickland of Moultonborough, John Strickland of Hartford CT, Debbie and Bob Evans of North Conway, and Linda and Jim Zelek of Moultonborough, 11 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren, brother Dale Strickland of Texas, and sisters Dorothy Richards of New Mexico and Delores Petersen of Minnesota and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, sister Madelyn, and brothers Roy, Clifford, Elmer, Milton, Don, and Bill.

There are no calling hours. His Memorial Service will be held at Moultonborough United Methodist Church Saturday, January 7 2012 at 1:00 PM with a reception following at the Moultonboro Lions Club. Donations in his memory may be made to the Bicentennial Trust Fund of the Moultonboro Lions or to the Moultonboro United Methodist Church.