Bryan F. Knowles

MANCHESTER -- Bryan F. Knowles, 68, of Manchester, went to be with the Lord Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008, at his home.

Bryan was born in Gardiner, Feb. 16, 1940, the son of Heron R. and Mary (Farrington) Knowles. He attended Hallowell High School and joined the United States Marine Corps, serving over three years, including duties at the Pentagon and White House. After his discharge, Bryan owned and operated several local businesses including the Hotel Arnold, Edwards Lunch, The Happy Dolphin Restaurant, the Rising Tide Restaurant, The Bond Brook Feed Store, and a trucking company. He served on the Manchester Planning Board and the Manchester Fire Department. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, Native American history and building and remodeling houses, including his own.

Mr. Knowles was predeceased by his parents; his son, Joseph Knowles, and his brother, Rance Knowles. He is survived by his wife, Sheila M. (Robinson) Knowles; his children, Lisa Knowles Ward and her husband, Stephen, of Warren, Ohio, Bryan H. Knowles and his wife, Linda, of West Gardiner, and Eric Knowles; his stepchildren, Jennifer Landry, of Plant City, Fla., Jason Landry and his wife, Amy, of Winterhaven, Fla., Patricia Schmidt, of Westbrook, and Nancy Smith, of Manchester; his brother, Irving Knowles and his wife, Joanne, of Litchfield; his sister, Audrey Irish and her husband, George, of Manchester, and his sister-in-law, Joanne Knowles, of Manchester; 12 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

By Bryan's request, there will be no visiting hours. A graveside service, with military honors will be held at the Manchester Forks Cemetery on Thursday at 2 p.m. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church Street, Augusta.

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