Brunswick – Charles Billings Woodman, died March 7^th after 96 healthy and active years, Charles B. Woodman, known to his friends as Charlie, peacefully passed away from cancer in his home at Thornton Oaks in Brunswick, Maine.

He was born on December 24, 1919 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, attended Cambridge schools, and graduated from Harvard College in 1941. On the same day that he graduated, he was commissioned an ensign in the US Naval Reserve.

During World War II Charlie served as a deck officer aboard two destroyers, the USS Russell and the USS Ingraham. After the attack on Pearl Harbor his convoy was sent through the Panama Canal to engage in the Pacific Theater. There he was part of a number of significant engagements, including the pivotal Battle of Midway. The most memorable action occurred while on duty near Okinawa when many kamikaze planes attacked his ship, inflicting major damage; from this he was awarded the Purple Heart. He served in the Naval Reserve for 21 years, and retired as a commander.

Following the war he married Margaret C. Williams of Cambridge, MA and attended Cornell University where he earned a Masters Degree in Regional Planning. He worked as Director of City Planning in Palm Springs, CA, as county planner in Washington, DC, and then returned to the Boston area where he was Director of Space Planning at Boston University for 21 years.

In 1961 Charlie married Maria van Huystee from the Netherlands with whom he enjoyed 55 years of marriage. Together they retired to Maine in 1988 to live on the beloved family property in Harpswell which he affectionately called “our little paradise.” Always the gracious host, he and Ria enjoyed entertaining in their home. In Harpswell he continued to pursue his avid interest in sailing, exploring the waters of Casco Bay with family and friends. He and Ria also enjoyed their many travels together, including 16 trips with Elder Hostel, the farthest of which took them to New Zealand.

A life-long learner and avid reader, he was a student of history and current affairs. He also drew great pleasure from music and the arts; in his younger days he taught ballroom dancing.

Charlie was especially concerned with environmental and conservation issues. He served on the board of the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust; he also supported the Nature Conservancy and the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust.

His passion for improvement projects and hands-on work was known to all. He loved designing and building furniture pieces as well as undertaking larger maintenance and remodeling projects, including the building of a small house on the Harpswell property for his late sister, Alice.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Ria; his son, Edward (Ned) Woodman, and his wife, Susan and her children, Jasper and Camille Vicenti; his daughter, Jane Woodman, and her husband, David Russell; and three grandchildren, Alice Woodman-Russell, Margaret Woodman-Russell, and Cyrus L. Woodman. He is predeceased by his brother, Walter Woodman, and his sister, Alice Woodman Rossiter.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Nature Conservancy, 14 Maine St., Suite 401, Brunswick, ME 04011 and the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, 153 Harpswell Neck Rd., Harpswell, ME 04079. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Brackett Funeral Home, Brunswick.