Charles G. Tarkinson

Scarborough- Charles G. Tarkinson, 91, died peacefully surrounded by his family at the Maine Veteran’s Home on Friday March 22, 2013. The son of George and Agnes (Mousaian) Tarkanian, he was born in Lowell MA, on July 17, 1921. While attending Bangor Theological Seminary he met Barbara J. Billings and they were married on September 4, 1944. Charles left seminary to take a job in radio broadcasting in Boston. When WWII broke out he joined the Navy. After being discharged from the Navy he went back into radio broadcasting until he started television broadcasting in Maine as the first news anchor at WMTW in 1954. He was in broadcasting for 25 years, and then finished his career as a vice president for Bradish-Young Insurance Company. Since retiring in 1987 he lived between Lake Worth Florida and Maine. He was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Portland; he was also a member of Riverside golf club, and the Purpoodock club. He was active in the Masons for more than 50 years. He was an honorary 33rd degree for Scottish Rite, a past Sovereign Prince of Scottish Rite and a Past Master of Triangle Masonic Lodge No. 1 in Portland. He is survived by his wife Barbara of 68 years, his daughter Linda J. Carey and her husband Dale Rouisse, his son Charles G. Tarkinson Jr. and his wife Nancy, his son Al Tarkinson and his wife Ruth, his daughter Janet Totaro, and her husband Raymond, 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and his brother Edward Tarkinson. Charles family wishes to thank the Maine Veteran’s Home in Scarborough for the dignified care that they provided. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation on Wednesday March 27, 2013 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland. A Masonic ritualistic service will be conducted during visiting hours at 6:30 PM by the Triangle Lodge No 1. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday March 28, 2013 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Lawrence Weeks officiating. Donations can be made in Charles memory to Maine Veteran’s Home, 290 U.S. Rte 1, Scarborough ME 04074.