Donald E. Soule

Born in Portland, Maine, Donald was the son of Arthur O. Soule and Gertrude (Gooch) Soule. He grew up in Portland and graduated from Deering High School.  He was a graduate of the General Electric Tool & Dye Machinist Apprentice Program, and also attended Northeastern University and Tufts University.   He learned the carpentry trade from his father and continued to take on new projects for the rest of his life. 

He was employed for twenty-five years as a machinist at General Electric Riverworks Plant in Lynn, Massachusetts, in the Medium Steam Turbine Division. He was also employed at W.H. Nichols in Portland, Maine, for twenty years. He also worked with his son-in-law, Charles O'Brien, and his grandsons installing hardwood flooring. After his retirement, he worked at Aubachon Hardware in Naples, Maine. 

Donald was an antique tractor and farm equipment enthusiast. He collected antique tractors and enjoyed using them for haying and other farmwork. He also attended fairs with his tractors and entered tractor pull contests, even winning first place on one occasion. He was interested in trains and the history of trains as well as social history. 

Donald was a devoted husband and family man. He loved being surrounded by his family and friends. He was a mentor to his children and grandchildren and to many others. He was kindhearted and generous with his time and knowledge. He was scrupulously honest in everything he did to the best of his ability. 

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Judith A. Soule, of Casco, Maine; his sister, Dorothy (Soule) Lewis of Casco, Maine; his daughters and son-in law: Darlene D. Soule of Casco, Maine, Deanne L. (Soule) Vasiles, and Christopher W. Vasiles of Moyock, North Carolina;  his grandchildren: Charles O'Brien of Casco, Maine; Corey O'Brien of Buxton, Maine; Daniel O'Brien of Standish, Maine; Nicholas O'Brien of Casco, Maine; Megan Vasiles of Moyock, North Carolina; and Daniel Vasiles of Greensboro, North Carolina; and his great-grandson, Leo O'Brien of Buxton, Maine; and several neices and nephews. Donald was pre-deceased by his daughter, Denise Ann (Soule) Raglin, of Casco and Lewiston, Maine.  

A Celebration of Life was held on October 26, 2013. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Maine.