Charles F. Mains

Charles F. Mains, 81, of Wolfeboro, NH died Thursday December 7, 2006 at the Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia. He was born in Cambridge, MA the son of Harry E and Stella B. (Green) Mains. He was a graduate of Boston University with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters degree in Education. While still a college student he coached a Harvard University Eliot House Football Team cementing his interest in coaching and working with young people. He served in WWII in the Army Corp. of Engineers in Italy. For 20 years he was associated with the Medfield, MA school system as a teacher, coach and ultimately principal of the high school where his irrepressible sense of humor, yet firm hand endeared him to students and faculty alike. During this time he was instrumental in establishing the Tri-Valley Athletic League and was an active member of the Secondary School Principals Association, serving on the Evaluation Committee assessing the functioning of a number of High Schools throughout the state. In the 1970’s he retired from education and moved to New Hampshire, where he and his family had enjoyed a summer home. He along with a business partner established a real estate company in the Wakefield-Ossipee Area and he served for a time as President of the White Mountain Board of Realtors. Charles leaves his wife of 58 years, Gwen; two daughters Marcia E. Garcia of Canton, Michigan, and Cheryl L. Van Dyke of Concord, NH; five grandchildren, Trista Worthley of Marblehead, MA, Kristine Nyhan of Chichester, NH, Stephen Charles (Chip) Van Dyke of Boston, MA, Katherine E. Fader of St. Petersburg, Fla and Kastein Garcia of Canton, Michigan. He also leaves a great granddaughter, Alise, a niece and 4 nephews. A loving husband, father and grandfather, mentor and encourager to children and good friend to many. He will be sadly missed. He fought a long hard fight and is safe at home at last. His Memorial Service will be held at the First Congregational Church Family Center in Center Ossipee on December 28th at 2:00PM Contributions in his memory can be made to Life Bridge, PO Box 187, Wolfeboro, NH 03894. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire is in charge of arrangements. To view the on line obituary or to send condolences go to www.csnh.com.