Franklin T. Gish of Lewiston, Maine, formerly of Limestone, Maine, died Wednesday Nov. 1, 2017 at Marguerite d’youville Pavilion with his loving family by his side.
Frank was born in Winner on Nov. 5, 1938 the son to Leonard & Rose Snow Gish. He attended Colome local schools and graduated from Colome High School with the class of 1956.
On Sept. 16, 1967 he married the love of his life, Charlene Poitras in Grand Falls N.B. Frank enlisted in the United States Air Force where he made a lifetime career and traveled the country with his wife and son Daniel. He proudly served throughout the United States, including time in Guam, Korea, Spain, Hawaii, California, and returning to where he met the love of his life at Loring AFB, ME for his final station. He served in different positions including, which he was most proud, as an aircraft mechanic for Air Force One under the Presidency of Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon for six years. Other roles included Commander of Aircraft Maintenance at Loring AFB and Head of Squadron Nuclear Safety also at Loring AFB. He retired as MSGT after 28 years from the United States Air Force in 1985.
After his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Frank worked for Boeing and Lockheed, Loring AFB Supply Squadron (civilian), and DFAS Limestone (Accounting Center for the U.S. Military). He also became the first in his family to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from USM and an accounting degree from Husson College.
Among Frank’s interest was working around his yard, barbecuing for family and friends, fixing old cars, coaching and volunteering for local recreation boards, and being involved his son Dan’s youth sports teams. His greatest pleasure in life however, was the time he spent with his wife, son, grandchildren and close family and friends. He loved making jokes and seeing people around him laugh. He especially loved singing and dancing with his wife Charlene.
He is survived by his wife Charlene of Lewiston, his son Daniel and wife Cindy Gish of Lewiston, his grandson, Hunter Gish and granddaughter Lilly Gish both of Lewiston. He also leaves behind two sisters, June (Dale) Screvens of Hastings, Neb., Doreen Tennett of Grand Island, Neb., as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Frank is predeceased by his mother and father and siblings; Philip Gish, Leo Gish, William Ace Gish, Lindy Gish, Gerald Gish, Roland Gish, and in-laws William and Yvonne Poitras.
You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Franklin’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com
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