John M. Robinson, 81

Philanthropic Civic Leader

John M. Robinson, former President and Chief Executive Officer of the C.H. Robinson Paper Company, died Sunday, July 9, 2006, at the Maine Medical Center after a brief illness.

He was born in Portland in 1925, and attended the Cottage Farms School in Cape Elizabeth, Deering High School and Deerfield Academy, where he graduated in 1943. After graduation, he joined the Navy V-12 Program and attended Tufts University, the University of Notre Dame and Harvard, and left the navy as an Ensign as the war ended. After the war he attended Bowdoin College and graduated in 1947.

Following graduation, Mr. Robinson entered the family business, the C.H. Robinson Paper Company, at that time located on Commercial Street. He became President and CEO of the Company, overseeing its expansion into the Massachusetts market. In Portland, the company expanded from its waterfront location to a modern plant on Franklin Street Arterial. The C.H. Robinson Company was sold in its 100th year under the management of the Robinson family, to Rolland, Incorporated of Montreal, Quebec.

As head of C.H. Robinson, Mr. Robinson held various significant posts in the paper industry: President of the Boston Paper Trade Association, Director of the National Paper Trade Association, and President of the New England Merchants Association.

Mr. Robinson was also active in the greater Portland community as director and trustee of many organizations including the Maine National Bank, The Rufus Deering Company, The Maine Girls and Boys Club, The Maine Coast Heritage Trust, the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust, Opportunity Farm, The American Red Cross, The Sun Savings Bank, Greater Portland Landmarks, and Westbrook College.

He was President of The Cumberland Club from 1982-1984, Commodore of The Portland Yacht Club, 1969-1970, and was also a member of The Cruising Club of America.

Mr. Robinson was a well-known yachtsman and in June of 1960, his 40-foot Concordia yawl, Diablo, was the first Maine yacht in 30 years entered in the biennial Newport to Bermuda ocean race. In June of 1962, Diablo finished third in its class and seventh overall among 138 yachts in the Bermuda Race, and in 1963 Diablo was declared the winner of the Marblehead to Halifax yacht race.

Locally, he was a frequent competitor in the Monhegan Island Ocean Race.

As a philanthropist, Mr. Robinson had a keen interest in land conservation. He was a Trustee and Treasurer of The Maine Coast Heritage Trust, and so he was involved in many transactions involving the conservation of land along the coast of Maine. He was a landowner of significant property in Cape Elizabeth and through his great generosity, made it possible for the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust to acquire 83 acres of woodland and waterfront, now known as Robinson Woods. This land has been permanently preserved for the enjoyment of the public. It is used by hikers and cross country skiers and offers access to vernal pools and wildlife habitats.

Mr. Robinson is survived by his wife, Cornelia Leighton Robinson of Falmouth; his sister, Ann Elizabeth Strout of Cape Elizabeth; his brother, Timothy C. Robinson of Cape Elizabeth and Boston, Mass.; his niece, Ann Strout Jones of Cape Elizabeth; his nephews, Frank S. Strout of Cape Elizabeth, Andrew R. Strout of Cape Elizabeth, Timothy W. Strout of Northport, N.Y., Anthony P. Robinson of Dallas, Texas, Michael B. Robinson of London, England, Tyler B. Robinson of New York City, Peter J. Robinson of Mexico City; and nine great nieces and nephews. Also surviving are four stepsons, James L. Madden of Round Hill, Va., David C. Madden of Manhattan Beach, Calif., Benjamin D. Madden of Cos Cob, Conn., Geoffrey G. Madden of New York City; and seven stepgrandchildren.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held on Friday, July 28, 2006, at 4 p.m. from State Street Church UCC, 159 State Street, Portland. The Reverend Jeanette A. Good, Ph.D will officiate. A reception will follow immediately at The Cumberland Club, 116 High Street, Portland. Arrangements are by Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home.

Marcia Milliken Blackburn, 62

Proud of her ancestry

Marcia Milliken Blackburn passed away on July 21, 2006, at Maine General Hospital in Augusta.

She was the daughter of George H. and Jeanette Johnson Milliken, and was born in Jacksonville, Fla., on August 24, 1943.

Prior to a short stay at the Inn at City Hall in Augusta, Marcia was a long-term resident of Scarborough, and she was very proud of her ancestry in that community. She was educated in the Scarborough schools, and was Class Marshal of the Senior Class of 1961. She graduated from the Portland School of Art, currently the Maine College of Art, in 1965.

Marcia was a member of the West Scarborough Methodist Church, the Scarborough Garden Club, and the Scarborough Historical Society. She was a past member of the United Maine Craftsmen’s Guild.

Marcia was a very talented artist with great breadth to her endeavors from oils to sculpture, ceramics, pen and ink, watercolors and caricatures. She saw details not evident to the untrained eye, and she introduced into her art great wit and humor along with the reality of beauty.

She fought a life-long battle to live. Her perseverance and ability to live with great pain and suffering was a lesson to all who knew her. Her artistic character and caring concern for those around her brought her above her own suffering. In turn, she received the love and care of many.

With the passing of her parents, her greatest caregiver was her brother Christopher Milliken.

Marcia is survived by four siblings and their families including; Michael D. Milliken of Long Beach, Miss., Cynthia J. Milliken Taylor and Robert H. Taylor Jr., Melissa Milliken Groleau and Greg J. Groleau, and Christopher A. Milliken and Shawn M. Caron, all of Scarborough. She had numerous nieces and nephews including; Matthew Todd Milliken of Portland, Michael Scott Milliken of Albany, N.Y., Megan Milliken Lewis of Accomac, Va., and Marc R. Groleau, Andrew Milliken Groleau, and Emily Milliken Taylor, all of Scarborough.

Her brother Mark H. Milliken and his wife Marianne Gross Milliken, and Marcia’s former husband, Philip Blackburn, predeceased Marcia.

Raymond L. Chase Jr., 80

Lifelong Boston Red Sox fan

Raymond L. Chase Jr. 80, died Friday evening July 21, 2006, at his home with his family by his side.

He was born in Windham on April 4, 1926, the son of Raymond Sr. and Mary Wilson Chase. He was educated in Portland Schools before entering the service and serving in World War II.

Raymond was married to his wife, Amelia Mae, Nov. 4, 1950, for 40 years prior to her passing in 1991. He was employed at Burnham Morrills for 30 years before his retirement in 1983. Raymond spent his spare time lake fishing, and having cookouts with his family at their camp on Deer Pond. He enjoyed watching boxing, and was a life long Boston Red Sox fan.

Raymond was predeceased by his wife Amelia Mae; five sisters and one brother. He is survived by four children: Linwood and Lynn Chase of Alfred; Pamela O’Leary of Scarborough; Stephen and Jennifer Chase of Old Orchard;, and Christine Hillman-Chase of Gorham; two sisters: Maxine Smith of New Hampshire; and Geraldine Marrone of Windham; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

The Chase family wishes to extend a special thanks to Darci Chase for all the care she provided.

Allan Lee Trout, 85

Affectionately known as Uncle Al

Allan Lee Trout passed away July 18, 2006, at M.M.C. after a long health struggle.

Allan, affectionately known as Uncle Al was born in Eagles, Pa., Aug. 12, 1920, the son of Leroy and Emily Trout. He grew up in Trenton, N.J. until he, his widowed mother, his brother Larry, and sister Dorothy moved to Scarborough in 1938.

He joined the Army in 1940. He trained in the Coastal Artillery. He was sent to the Panama Canal zone. The Army realized he was wonderful working with animals so they had him work with horses that were used to clear gun placements.

Upon his discharge in the late 1940s, he met and married Catherine Hess. They bought a home in Thornton Heights, where they lived until 2005. They then moved to Westbrook to live with their nephew Dave and his wife, Debbi Trout.

Uncle Al was a very quiet person, however when he spoke it was always with great foresight and wisdom.

He was loved and respected by all who had the pleasure to know him, especially by his brother Larry; nieces Robin Coffin, Marsha Caufield, Beth Webster, and Karen Morton; his nephews, David Trout, Stephen Nickerson, Buddy Knowles, and their families.

Uncle Al you are going to be sadly missed by all, especially by Dave when he’s looking for a Chess partner, and Debbi who loved to see you smile.

Allan is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Catherine. He is predeceased by his mother, Emily and father, Leroy; his sister, Dorothy Nickerson; brother-in-law George; and sister-in-law Donna Trout.

At his request there will be a private graveside service.

Anne A. LaCambria, 71

Campfire Girl leader

Anne A. LaCambria, 71, of the Broadturn Road, died on Sunday, July 16, 2006, at the Maine Medical Center in Portland.

She was born in Boston, Mass. on Jan. 20, 1935, the daughter of Frank and Clara (Arnott) Bemister. As a girl she attended and graduated from schools in Boston.

For many years Anne was a homemaker. In her late 50s, she went back to school to receive her C.N.A. certification. After completion, she worked for many years as a home healthcare caregiver.

Anne had belonged in the past to the PTA, the Blue Birds, and was a Campfire Girl leader. She and her husband were also involved with various church activities at the Scarborough Methodist Church.

She enjoyed to crochet, knit, travel, and most importantly, be with her family.

She is survived by her beloved husband, John LaCambria; a daughter, Anne-Marie Brett and her husband Peter of Scarborough; a granddaughter, Katelyn Brett; and many other relatives and friends.

Visiting hours will be on Thursday, July 27 from 5-7 p.m. at the Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, Rts. 202 and 4A (13 Portland Road) in Buxton. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday morning at 10 a.m., with burial to follow at Scarborough Memorial Park, Old Blue Point Road in Scarborough.

Janice Dianne (Libby) Ross, 60

Owned Loon’s View in Bridgton

Janice Dianne (Libby) Ross, 60, died unexpectedly of a brain aneurysm, July 5, 2006, in Gainesville, Fla.

She was born Nov. 29, 1945, in Portland, daughter of Charles K. and Jessie (Gallant) Libby. She was educated in Scarborough schools, graduating from Scarborough High School in the Class of 1964.

She was employed early on at Fairchild Semiconductor in South Portland. She was also employed as a certified nursing assistant, working for various agencies in the Portland area. For a time, she ran her own shop called Jan’s Beach Shop on the pier at Old Orchard Beach. In 2003, Jan and her husband Gil opened the Loon’s View Restaurant in Bridgton. At the Loon’s View, friends and the public gathered for fine dining and entertainment. Christmas dinner was reserved for their families that year and will be remembered as a special time. Most recently, Jan had been employed by Go Games during the 2005 Christmas season in the Maine Mall.

As a child, her days were enjoyed at Ferry Beach in Scarborough where her dad Charlie went clamming. As an adult, back in the 1960s and 70s, she continued to enjoy Ferry Beach with her sisters, her children, and her sisters’ children, where she spent her summers lying on the beach in the sun. She was still wearing her bikini at age 60, still lying in the sun, still beautiful.

Jan was a free spirit and enjoyed traveling with her husband of 10 years, Gilbert Ross III. She loved her trips to Foxwoods Casino, Niagara Falls, Las Vegas, and many trips to Florida. A trip to the Bahamas last fall with her childhood friend, Nancy Patterson, was deeply treasured. Time spent at her brother Ronnie’s camp with his family, tubing behind his pontoon boat and fishing off the dock gave her such pleasure last summer. Time spent playing with her sister Donna’s granddaughter, Katelyn, was a joy to her.

Jan is survived by her loving husband, Gilbert Ross III; her son, Steven J. Anderson of Saco; and two stepsons, Zachary and Gilbert Ross IV of Buckfield. Jan also leaves behind five brothers and three sisters, Jeanne Skillings and her husband Gene, Donna Leeman and her husband Stephen, all of Saco; Edward Libby and his wife Sharon, Ronald Libby and his wife Linda, Delores Newman and her husband Leland, all of Scarborough; David Libby of Portland; Kenneth Libby of Orlando, Fla.; and Robert Libby of Daytona Beach, Fla. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Jan was a special person. Her loving and giving spirit, her courage and her smiling beautiful face will be remembered always. Her husband Gil, her soulmate, supported her through the deaths of her two beloved sons, James P. Anderson in 1996, and George James Anderson III in 1999. She will be deeply missed by all.

John Thomas Manning, 59

Master Electrician, avid golfer

John Thomas Manning, 59, of Portland, died Wednesday, July 19, 2006, following a brief illness. John was born Feb. 21, 1947 in Portland; a son of Edward L. and Mary P. (Murphy) Manning. He was educated in local schools, and attended Cathedral Grammar School. He was a 1965 Portland High School graduate. He played basketball while in high school.

After graduating, he went to Southern Maine Vocational Institute, now SMCC, where he attained his degree as an electrician. He was the youngest person in Maine to receive a Master Electrician’s License. He belonged to the IBEW #567 Local Union.

John was an avid golfer. He was a former member of Woodlands and Purpoodock Golf Clubs. He held several club records at Purpoodock, Woodlands and Sable Oaks. As champions in Maine, he and his brothers represented Maine in the Walter Hagan Tournament on three occasions in Florida. He was a former member of the Portland Elks Club.

John loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. His brother seemed to say it best; Johnny earned your respect by being himself. His presence in a room made you want to be there. (Thomas Manning)

He is survived by his long time girlfriend Tanuja Bhatnagar of Portland; his father Edward L. Manning of Portland; daughters: Lisa Coyne and her husband Michael of Portland; Kelley Coyne and her husband Chris of Portland; sons: John T. Manning Jr.; Michael E. Manning; and Joseph P. Manning, all of South Portland; and the mother of his children: Judith Bishop Burns; sisters: Donna Sabatino and her husband Carl of Scarborough; Patricia Rodrigue of Chester, N.Y.; brothers: Edward J. Manning and his wife Lisa of Scarborough; Thomas J. Manning and his wife Stefanie of Mahwah, N.J.; nine grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Major John T. Harper, 81

Made more than 100 jumps

Major John T. Harper AUS – Retired, died at Maine Medical Center on July 15 , from complications which developed after a successful heart bypass operation. He was 81.

Born in Detroit, Mich., a son of Vernon and Iva Harper, Maj. Harper, was a man with two careers: the first as an officer in the U.S. Army and the second as a general manager at various country clubs in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Portland.

In the Army, Major Harper rose through the ranks, Pvt. to Maj. He was justly proud of his military service in three wars: WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

A member of the Quartermaster Corps, Maj. Harper served with the 82 ABN Corps at Ft. Bragg, N.C., and possessed both the parachutist and the senior parachutists’ badges. He made over 100 jumps.

His assignments were as a platoon leader, supply officer, instructor, and custodian of the officer’s mess. He graduated from infantry and quartermaster schools. He has several awards and decorations, including the commendation ribbon for meritorious service.

From 1943 to 1946, he progressed from Pvt. to S/Sergeant. He was appointed a Second Lieutenant in 1946. As an enlisted man he served in Northern France during WWII, as an intelligence officer he conducted classified operations in Korea, and he performed as a supply officer in Vietnam.

Maj. Harper retired from active duty in 1963. He then served as general manager at various country clubs, including Meadowbrook in Virginia, Whitemarsh in Pennsylvania, and the Cumberland Club in Portland.

He has several letters of appreciation in his files attesting to his diligence, competence, and ingenuity. In many instances he was able to take facilities that were not doing well, and turn them into profitable ventures. He was known as a well organized, aggressive and fair supervisor. He also has been a consultant to many clubs in the Northeast.

A convert to Roman Catholicism, Maj. Harper possessed a strong belief in his faith, and carried it out by volunteering at nursing homes, acting as an extraordinary minister, and serving on the parish council at Holy Cross Church in South Portland. He was the chief fund-raiser for the Angel of Hope project located in Calvary Cemetery. Also, he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, and was the Grand Knight of the South Portland Council.

An avid golfer, Maj. Harper was a member of the Salmon Falls and Purpoodock golf clubs. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Maureen, and made several trips to Ireland, Mexico, and Florida.

He is survived by his wife Maureen Willard Harper. Married in 1983, they have made their home in Saco and South Portland for the past 23 years.

Other survivors are his four children: John T. Harper Jr. of Manteo, N.C.; Mark Harper and his wife Donna of Richmond, Va.; Jeanine Harper Maruca and her husband Michael of Richmond; and Glenn Harper and his wife Trish of Richmond. Maj. Harper has two step children: Anne Mason and her husband Caleb of Falmouth; and Mary Lynn Noyes and her husband Ed of Buxton. He has eleven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.