Philip Wendell Boothby

Philip Wendell Boothby, 81Philip Wendell Boothby, born June 25, 1925, dropped his robe to cross over and join his loved ones on May 17, 2007.He spent his last year and a half living in Apache Junction, overlooking the Superstition Mountains and always commenting on their beauty.Mr. Boothby was a member of the Penobscot Nation on Indian Island in Old Town, Maine.His fondest memories were spending time as a child with his grandfather, Sockalexix Newell, gathering the perfect pieces of sticks and wood to build hand crafted furniture, walking sticks and birdhouses. He said his grandfather was his protector. He grew up in Westbrook, Maine, with seven other siblings.He served this country in World War II in the South Pacific as a sailor for the U.S. Coast Guard on the LST Cutter 22. He survived battles in 16 invasions. This was one of his proudest achievements. He spent the majority of his life living in Maine where he worked for the S.D. Warren Paper Co. for over 44 years. He was a member and elder of the LDS Church. Those that knew and met him will remember him for his quick wit, sense of humor, generosity and radiant positive personality. He woke up every morning with a smile and had an endless appreciation for the beauty of Mother Earth.Mr. Boothby was a skilled artist, loved horses, flowers and country music. He also played guitar and sang. He is survived by his children, Penny, Dennis, Adam, and Philip Boothby from Maine, and Cynthia Boothby, Jody (Mike) Wilcox of Arizona; granddaughters, Jessica, Danielle, Nicole and Courtney Boothby; great grandchildren, Brittany, Joshua, Kyla, Carissa, Mark and Ethan; sisters, Jackie Allard, Betty Lachance; brother, Richard Boothby; his best friend and ex wife, Barbara Swain, all from Maine and his girlfriend, Tina Eason, and dear friend, Lisa Eason, from North Carolina.Last but not least, much gratitude and thanks go out to his nurses, Karen Smart, Elizabeth Wendt; caregivers, Paula Mckleary, Marilyn Simmons; social worker, Jane Murdock; his close neighbors, Anita, Bobby, Nicole and Jonathan, May and Phil; and his brethren from the church that were always ready to be there for him in time of need.Services will be held in Maine at the LDS Cornish Branch with a Graveside Memorial to follow on his mother"s, Lydia Boothby, burial site in Westbrook, Maine. His wishes were to be cremated and have his ashes spread over the Pacific Ocean where he fought for his country.Funeral arrangements entrusted to Apache Junction Mortuary.