Friel, Frederick B., 80, September 15, 2007. Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home, Island Falls. Interment was held in the Smyrna Mills Cemetery.
MERRILL – Frederick B. "Ted" Friel, 80, died Sept. 15, 2007, at his home, with his family at his side. He was born July 12, 1927, in Dyer Brook, the son of the late Guy and Vivian (Clark) Friel.
Ted graduated from Merrill High School in 1945 and he started a saw mill along with his father and two brothers, sawing pine, hardwood, furniture, baby furniture and landscape ties. He served in the military from 1951 to 1953, in the signal corps during the Korean War in Saumur, France. He was co-owner of Guy Friel and Sons for many years. The factory building burned May 1989, and they closed the mill August of that year. After the mill closed, Ted and Vinal ran a mill equipment resale yard.
He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, past chairman of the board of Oakfield Senior Housing, a member of the S.A.C.H.S Board, Region II Vocational Board, as well as the Elks and Lions. Ted married Arlene (Baker) Friel, Dec. 27, 1952. Ted was very generous and helped many people. He was an avid supporter of basketball and baseball for high school in Aroostook County.
In addition to his wife of 52 years of Merrill, he is survived by a daughter, Traci Bushey and her husband, Tom, and their sons, Darren and Eric, of Masardis; one brother, Vinal of Smyrna and his daughter, Linda White and her husband, Casey, and their daughters, Jessica and Huhnna; sister-in-law, Arlene M. Friel and her children, Patrick, Maureen, Kathleen, Dennis and Peggy; sister-in-law, Doris Friel and her son, Michael and his wife, Diane, and their sons, Kevin and Matthew; one aunt, Dot Warman of Houlton; many great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers, Carl and Keith.
Friends called from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, at Bowers Funeral Home, Island Falls, where funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Interment was held at Smyrna Mills Cemetery. A time of fellowship immediately followed after the interment at the home of Linda and Casey White, 3154 Route 2, County Road, Smyrna. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to the S.A.C.H.S. Dollars for Scholars, care of Bowers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 579, Houlton, ME 04730.
