Gerald Grass

Millinocket – Gerald Philip Grass, 71, passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at a Bangor hospital. He was born May 7, 1945 in Mars Hill, the son of Gerald A. and Dorothy F. (Terrell) Grass. Phil grew up on a potato farm in Mars Hill, and was a graduate of the Aroostook Central Institute, class of 1963. He married Lorena Lawrence in 1965, and they shared the next 51 years together. He apprenticed as a plumber for a period of time before joining the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local #716 in 1970. In 1971, he worked at the Great Northern Paper Company helping in the building of #11. He moved his family to Millinocket that year, and lived there for the duration of his career. When not working, he was involved in Millinocket Youth Hockey for many years, and also was a dedicated member of the Jo Mary Riders and the Northern Timber Cruisers Snowmobile Clubs. He spent many hours grooming the trails and helping make the trails of the Katahdin Region the best available in the system. When not grooming, he also enjoyed sledding the trails. In younger years, Phil raced cars at Spud Speedway from 1965-71, and worked on cars, rode motorcycles, and spent time with his family. He loved watching White Lightning, which was the name of his son’s racing team, as well as his nephews tractor pulling operation. He also loved going to watch his grandsons play soccer. Phil was well known and much loved, and will be missed by his family and those he encountered in his many activities. His two canine friends, Sam and Shadow were loyal and faithful companions that he loved. Phil is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lorena V. (Lawrence) Grass; two children, Alan Grass and his companion Nancy, and Michelle King and her husband Tim; three granddaughters, Audrey, Emily and Monica; two grandsons, Garrett and Alan; a great granddaughter, Alivia; a sister, Judy Lunn and her husband Kenny; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents. Friends are invited to visit with the family 12:30 – 2 P.M. Tuesday, June 28 at the Lamson Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack St., Millinocket, with a celebration of Phil’s life beginning at 2 P.M. Interment will be private. Gifts in memory of Phil may be sent to the Katahdin Area Support Group, P.O. Box 374, Millinocket, ME 04462.