On Jan. 8, 2021, Henry E. Abbott of Boothbay Harbor died at an age of 83 following a diagnosis of advanced cancer.

Henry was born on Dec. 3, 1937, in Boothbay Harbor to Mary and Henry Abbott. The son of a lobsterman, Henry was on the sea and introduced to the lobstering trade at an early age working with his father. As a young man, Henry started a career as a stonemason and ran his own small masonry business for over 30 years. His craftsmanship in stone and brick over the decades now graces many homes and landmarks throughout the Boothbay Harbor region. Henry could never stray far from the ocean, however, and worked at least part time as a lobsterman alongside his masonry jobs for most of his life. In the mid-1990s, lobstering became his primary focus, and Henry continued to haul traps until the end. He loved the waters of Linekin Bay and working upon its waves.

We will remember Henry for his soft-spoken, gentle gruffness. For his humor and the occasional tall tale sprung on the suspecting and not. And for a special stubbornness only given to those he liked and loved.

He was never one to stay put for long unless he was sleeping. Henry applied that active energy as an outdoorsman for most of this life and loved to hunt, fish, and trap game, or simply enjoy nature while beachcombing or hiking. He exerted his vigor in the workshop as well, where he would happily putter, plan, and build for days, applying Yankee ingenuity as an art form.

Henry was predeceased by his eldest son, Michael E. Abbott, in 2007. His wife of 54 years, Carol P. Abbott, passed away in 2012. In death he also joins his parents, Henry and Mary Abbott, his elder sister, Gladis Ann Abbott, and his younger sister, Georgette Lewis.

He is survived by three children: his son, Jay H. Abbott, and daughter-in-law Lori of Boothbay Harbor; his daughter Kelly Coffey, and Don Dixon of Lenoir, North Carolina; and his youngest son, Jason H. Abbott, and daughter-in-law Kimberly Abbott of Springvale, Maine. He is further survived by his brother-in-law Bruce Lewis of Trevett, his niece Lori Mitchell, and nephew Brian Lewis. Many other loving relations and friends mourn his passing as well.

A memorial service and celebration of Henry’s life will occur at a future date. Instead of flowers, his family urges donations in Henry’s memory to the Iris Network — 189 Park Avenue, Portland, ME 04102.

Hall’s of Boothbay has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences, please visit hallfuneralhomes.com