PORTLAND – Edward Shible, a former co-owner of children’s clothing stores in Kennebunkport and York Beach, died on Monday after a brief illness. He was 89.

Mr. Shible and his wife, Charlotte, owned and operated The Young Set in York Beach and Kennebunkport for 30 years.

He ran the York Beach store, while she managed their Kennebunkport business. She was in charge of the selling and buying. He did much of the bookkeeping and heavy lifting.

Although a quiet and reserved, Mr. Shible enjoyed interacting with the customers, said his daughter Linda Crumrine of Portland, who worked there during summers.

“It was a very successful business,” Crumrine said. “People came in year after year to get clothes for their kids.”

The Shibles retired and sold their business about 20 years ago.

He also worked for Day’s Jewelers on Congress Street in Portland for more than 50 years, remaining there even after opening his own stores.

Mr. Shible’s family said he began working at Day’s as a teenager. He managed its appliance department for many years. At the time, Day’s was a jewelry and appliance store. The appliance store was formerly located on Brown Street.

He and his wife were married for 65 years and had two children.

His wife spoke briefly Wednesday about their life together as she packed to leave for Pompano Beach, Fla., where they wintered for 20 years.

“He was quiet and good natured. He would do anything for anyone. Our life was nice. I realize now how much I depended on him,” she said.

Mr. Shible was remembered by his family this week as warm, generous and supportive. His daughter said he was always there for them.

“When I was 16 years old, he said to me, ‘No matter what, you come home. We will be there for you,’ ” his daughter said. “I adored him. He was my anchor to the world.”

Mr. Shible’s family emphasized his willingness to help others. His daughter said he hired people at Day’s who were down on their luck.

“He gave people a chance,” Crumrine said.

Mr. Shible was a skilled handyman, who enjoyed puttering around his shop, repairing things for people. Though he didn’t have many hobbies, he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

“They lit up his life,” his daughter said. “He was a warm, caring, funny and a generous grandpa.”

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:

mcreamer@pressherald.com