JEFFREY SEARLES HEWES

HEWES, Jeffrey Searles Age 74, succumbed on August 6, after a 14-year battle with a rare disease, metastatic leiomyosarcoma of the retroperitoneum. He died at home in Holliston with his wife and two sons around him. Born in Portland, Maine on November 25, 1950, Jeffrey grew up in Gorham, Maine. He showed a passion for machines and electronics at an early age, taking an alarm clock entirely apart at age five, then putting it back to working order. At age 13, during the height of the Cold War, he ran a radio station from his room, calling it "The JSH107." His family had no idea what was going on until the authorities showed up, complaining his radio signals were interfering with aircraft. A degree in electrical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1973 launched his career, first in electronic circuitry for fiber optic based medical instruments at Dyonics, then in battery technology at Duracell and Bose. His job took him to East Asia, spawning a love for Chinese culture. He taught himself Mandarin and some Cantonese and could regularly be heard in the basement at 4 AM, practicing his language skills over the internet with Chinese people, many of whom became dear friends. Jeffrey will be remembered for his integrity, intellect, and the quiet strength which guided his life. Celebration of Life August 16 at Chesmore Funeral Home, HOLLISTON (Visitation 10AM, Service 11AM).

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