East Millinocket – Donald W. Hendsbee, 90, went to be with his wife, Gloria, early in the morning hours of Monday, March 11, 2019. He was born August 17, 1928 in Anson Valley, the son of Lloyd and Phoebe (Knowlan) Hendsbee.
Donald worked at the Great Northern Paper Mill in East Millinocket for over 40 years, retiring in 1986. He was an avid Red Sox fan, and was a loyal follower of Schenck High School sports teams, especially those on which his children and grandchildren were participants. Donald looked forward each year to spending a week in Bangor watching the basketball tournaments. He was also a coach of the Little League Red Sox team, and also loved golfing, bowling and square dancing. Donald was a great father and Grandfather, and was known to his grandchildren as “Grampy Tata”. He also enjoyed travelling with his wife and their many friends, with whom they created many happy memories and many, many stories. Donald will be remembered as an honorable and truthful man, and a loyal friend.
He is survived by five children, Sandy Saucedo, Gail Hamm and Ed, Bonnie Gallant and Danny, Donnie Hendsbee and Barbara, and Laurie York and Steve; a special “daughter” Cheryl Powers; 10 grandchildren, Michele Saucedo, Ken Saucedo, Ed Hamm, III, Sonja and Brad Bugg, Michelle and Cory Hatch, Jerry and Julie Hamm, Amy and Jason Pelkey, Brian Gallant, Jason and Heather York, Bubba and Nicole York; 28 great grandchildren; 8 great great grandchildren; a sister Margaret Cowan of Madison; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Gloria, Donald was predeceased by 8 siblings, May Aho, Lillian Craven, Alfred Hendsbee, Millie Moody, Wilfred Hendsbee, Lauria Hendsbee, Bud Hendsbee, and Muriel Remick; five grandchildren, Terry Ferguson, Stevie York, Nicole (York) Cox, Jeremy Hendsbee, and Julie Hendsbee.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Colonial Health Care for the loving care given to Donald during his time there, and the many courtesies extended to the family.
Friends are invited to visit with the family 4-7 PM Thursday, March 14 at the First Congregational Church of East Millinocket, 11 Maple Street, East Millinocket, where funeral services will be held 1 P.M. Friday, March 15 with the Rev. Bruce Burnham, pastor, presider. Spring interment will be at the East Millinocket Cemetery. Arrangements are by Lamson Funeral Home, East Millinocket.