Page 59 - Spring 2024

Ghosts of the Shiretown

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened over the loss of our
great friend and supporter, Henry Gartley ’77, who was taken
from us much too soon. Out of respect for Henry, this column’s
nameplate will be retired and no longer used. Henry was a
firm believer in Houlton’s past and loved showing it to folks. As
a result, historical photos will continue to be shown in a new
segment to be featured in a future edition and hosted by other locals interested in
Houlton’s future. This would be Henry’s wish. To Henry, I would say that I am a better
person for having known you and may you rest in peace, my friend.

Henry James Gartley Obituary

On Thursday, March 14, Henry James Gartley passed away at the age of 64. Henry was
known for his dedication to the Houlton community, his creative pursuits, and per-
haps most of all, his sense of humor.
Henry was born in Houlton on September 27, 1959 to parents Irene Clinkard Gartley
and Hazen E. Gartley. He grew up in Houlton and married Marion McLaughlin on De-
cember 26, 1981. Together they raised two children, Elizabeth and Matthew, who were
the lights of his life.
Henry was a skilled woodworker who apprenticed at Joy in Wood in Topsham, Maine,
and then returned to Houlton and managed Houlton International until its closure in
2003. Despite this unexpected challenge, he then worked as a meat cutter at County
Yankee Grocery and as custodian at Houlton Post Office, where he worked his way up
to Postmaster. He retired from that position in 2022.
Henry loved his hometown and was passionate about local history. He served on the Board of Directors for the Aroos-
took Historical and Art Museum. He has been an active member and supporter of community organizations including
the Cary Library, the County Co-op, the Elks Club, and the Church of the Good Shepherd. He kept a home workshop
and continued making furniture throughout much of his life. Many family members and friends keep Henry’s works in
their homes. Henry was also a talented photographer, and his interests in history and photography led him to take up
photo restoration. In recent years, he also took up watercolor painting and even won several awards at the Houlton
Fair.
Henry was such a renowned storyteller, that people tell stories about Henry telling stories. Henry seemed to know
everyone in Houlton and everyone in Houlton seemed to know Henry. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends,
and the whole community.
Henry was predeceased by his father, Hazen, and mother, Irene. He is survived by his children Elizabeth and Matthew,
his wife Marion, his sisters Valerie and Lois, and cousins, nieces and nephews in the United States, Canada, and the
United Kingdom.
The funeral service was held Tuesday, March 19 at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Houlton at 1 p.m., with the Rev-
erend Ginny Urbanek officiating, with a reception at Watson Hall. Those wishing to remember Henry in a special way
may make gifts in his memory to the Cary Library.

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