Clement "Clem" Philbrook

Clement Earle Philbrook, age 89, of Pittsburg, died on Friday, May 25, 2007 at Wilkes Regional Medical Center in Wilkesboro, N.C. He was born on October 30, 1917 in Old Town, Maine, to Earle W. and Harriet Crocker Philbrook. He was a member of Farnham Memorial United Methodist Church in Pittsburg. Mr. Philbrook, who preferred being called "Clem," was graduated from Gould Academy in Bethel, Maine, and Hebron Academy in South Paris. The University of Maine prepared him for graduation from Bryant and Stretton Business College near Boston. Clem was employed as an accountant with the New England Power Service Company. Later while an employee of Encyclopedia Britannica, he began writing articles and stories and eventually found his niche writing books in the juvenile division. Fifteen of his children’s books published, one of which, Captured by the Abnakis, is a Juvenile Literary Guild Selection. Clem’s interest in history and sports were reflected in his writings. At age 65 Clem obtained his real estate broker’s license and established a real estate business operating mainly in the Pittsburg area. He maintained his interest in real estate and membership with the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission until age 87. Clem’s popularity as an avid downhill skier reached legendary proportions on the ski slopes of the Northeast. He held the distinction of third in the nation with NASTAR in the senior division at the age of 82. He loved fly-fishing in the wilderness area bogs near his home, and his joyful display at dancing was indicative of his enormous zest for life. Clem enjoyed traveling with his wife to various parts of the U.S., Canada, the Islands, Mexico and Costa Rica. His first plane ride was at age 75. Clem was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) a few years ago. After a valiant struggle, his wife of 18 years, Millicent Philbrook, mourns his passing, but feels blessed to have been part of his long and productive life. Preceding him in death were his wife of nearly 40 years, Leone Fuller Philbrook; his brother, Walter Philbrook; and a sister, Ledora Covell. His mother-in-law, Mary Louise Lomax, passed away on February 13. Survivors include his wife, Millicent; a sister, Irma Bacon of Ossipee; brothers-in-law, Blaine and his wife Kay Lomax of Wilkesboro, and Rhea and his wife Audrey Lomax of Coatesville, Pa.; sisters-in-law, Debbie and her husband Angelo Reid of Claymont, Del., and Beverly Craig of Wilkesboro, N.C.; nephews, nieces, cousins, and a host of friends. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at the Farnham Memorial United Methodist Church in Pittsburg with The Reverend Margaret Bickford and The Reverend Richard Boyden co-officiating. A private interment service will be held at the Pittsburg Hollow Cemetery.Condolences may be sent to 164 Dula Road, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. Memorial donations may be made to Farnham United Methodist Church, c/o Mrs. Norma Covill, PO Box 103, Pittsburg, NH 03592. Clem’s books can be found at Google and Barnes & Noble out-of-print books.

Clement "Clem" Philbrook

October 30, 1917 - May 25, 2007