Calvin L. Austin

Calvin L. Austin, 90
     SCARBOROUGH -- Calvin L. Austin, 90, formerly of Scarborough died Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, at his home in Gray with his family by his side.
     He was born in Portland on Oct. 10, 1917, the son of George and Clarissa (Steele) Austin and attended Standish schools. He graduated in 1938 from the former Gorham Normal School (now the Gorham campus of USM) and in 1988 was inducted into the USM Husky Hall of Fame for his success on both the basketball and baseball teams during his college years. He played semi-pro baseball for several town teams in Maine and was an avid horseshoe player who pitched for the state championship one year against his father, losing to him by one point.
     His teaching career took him from Georgetown, Mass., back to Maine where he taught in Scarborough and Falmouth. He was also a principal in Falmouth and was involved in the association of principals which introduced the sport of soccer into the Maine school systems. He later taught science courses at Memorial Junior High School in South Portland until his retirement.
     He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was stationed in the Philippines and Japan. In 1954 Mr. Austin was one of three people who founded the Cumberland County Teachers Credit Union (now known as the Cumberland County Federal Credit Union). He was inducted into the Knights of Pythias in 1959 and served as Chancellor Commander of the Nonesuch Lodge #57 in Scarborough. He was a founder and trustee of the Nonesuch Charitable Trust. He served as a trustee and chairman of the Scarborough Sanitary District.
     Cal and his wife Geneva owned and operated Twin Brooks Camping Area in Gray on Little Sebago Lake since 1961. He was President of both the Maine Campground Owners Association and the New England Campground Association, conducted numerous educational seminars for these organizations, and led the We Care Program for NCA. Cal and Geneva enjoyed traveling and made several trips together: Cal's favorite destination was Las Vegas, where he loved to play poker and blackjack. They also enjoyed bowling and were on several leagues at the Big 20 Bowling Alley in Scarborough.
     Cal will be remembered for his kindness, patience, sense of humor and his love of life, family and friends. He was overwhelmed by the 110 people who attended a surprise party to honor him on his 90th birthday this October and by the number of friends who came to his home to visit with him during the two weeks that he was under hospice care. His family would like to express their appreciation for the outpouring of support that they have received over the past few months.
     Mr. Austin was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Geneva (Plowman) in 2005; and his three brothers, Willard, Stanley and Ray Austin. Survivors include his daughter Sheila Whitehouse of Hyannis, Mass.; his niece Andrea Maloney (with whom he lived) and her fiancé Ron Lee; his great- nephews Rory and Taylor Maloney; his niece Betty Bayley; numerous other nieces and nephews; and his canine buddy Alden.
     A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Twin Brooks Camping Area in Gray and is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2008. Arrangements are under the guidance of Independent Death Care, 471 Deering Ave., Portland. Online condolences may be expressed and a guest book signed at www.independentdeathcare.com.
     In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to:
    The Nonesuch Charitable Trust
    P.O. Box 63
    Scarborough, Maine 04070
    Calvin L. Austin