MANCHESTER, MAINE
Charles L. Hippler Jr., our beloved father & grandfather and great grandfather, passed away at the age of 91, on November 27, 2018 at Maine Veterans Home in Augusta, ME.
He was born in Manchester on July 7, 1927 the son of Charles L. and Edna (Merrill) Hippler, Charlie grew up on the shores of his beloved Lake Cobbosseecontee and this is where he developed his lifelong love of wooden boats. Many nights, you could hear him rumbling in “Biganfast” with buddies Dick Merrill, Doc Hersom, Pete Blouin and Wayne Rankin.
At age 7, he became a dam keeper. He served the town of Manchester in various capacities; Select board, Planning Board, Charter Member of the Fire Department and member for 69 years, Lions Club Charter Member and Director for 63 years, Sanitary District Trustee, Cobbossee Water Shed Trustee and designed the original logo.
Charlie was also Treasurer for the Maine Automobile Dealers Association and member of the Maine Stock Car Association as well as a Corporator at Kennebec Savings Bank.
He served 2 years in the Army in Reims, France in the Motor Pool (of course!) The stories he shared with us of his time there were some of our favorites.
From an early age, Dad knew what he wanted to do – sell cars! He started Hippler’s Used Cars and Trucks in Manchester, Maine in 1949. He married the love of his life, Priscilla Whitman in 1957. They immediately started their family. His sons Charlie & Jim, started working with him before their teens and now run the business.
Dad lived life to the fullest, on his terms and was a dynamo. His energy matched his ambition and drive.
Charlie is survived by his children; Susan and husband Timothy Banden, Charles L. Hippler III and wife Stephanie, James Hippler and wife Renee and Jane and husband William Dennison. His grandchildren were the light of his life: Marissa Canario, James & Ian Hippler, Elizabeth Dennison, Charles Hippler IV, Jillian Banden and Lucas Dennison; 3 great grandchildren: Victor, Zoey & Liam; his sister Mary Marshall, as well as special niece Pug Perkins and nephew Dave Poulin.
Charlie was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Gilbert.
As a friend said recently, Dad was a man’s man and brilliant.
Special thanks to all of the wonderful people at the Maine Veterans Home who cared for Charlie.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, December 1st at 11 AM at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St, Augusta, ME; with a reception to follow at the Manchester Fire Station Route 17.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boy’s Town Nebraska, 14100 Crawford Street, Boys Town, NE 68010.