BATH — Philip Arthur Haskell, 83, died March 18 at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta.

He was born in Bath, April 2, 1930, to the former mayor of Bath, Robert H. and Margery Chapman Haskell. He was the youngest of five children. He came from a long line of musically talented individuals. His pride and joy was the grand piano which was passed down to him. He played beautifully without the need for sheet music.

Haskell grew up in Maine, graduating from Morse High School in 1948 and going on to receive his bachelor’s in history and government from the University of Maine and a master’s from Harvard University. He never married nor had any children.

He served in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant during the Korean War and 10 years in the Army Reserves. After returning from the war, Haskell started his career fundraising for various organizations and colleges in Connecticut and Vermont. 

He loved to travel both abroad and within the U.S. He loved to drive and talked on numerous occasions about his adventures and how much he missed it in his older years.

He pursued a second career in his later years as an actor. His passion for the theater earned him several supporting roles and one lead role in the movie “Bums.” Other memorable roles included playing Orson Wells on “Saturday Night Live” and appearing on the Def Leppard video, “Hysteria.”

He was very compassionate with a great sense of humor which endeared him to others and will be missed.

He is survived by his brother-in-law, Albert Spickler; nieces, Colleen Degen, Debby Pierce, Kathy Brue and Elizabeth Haskell; nephews, Greg Palmer, Robert Antworth and Mark Haskell; and their many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family will hold a graveside service in the spring. A message will be sent through George Dole for any alumni wishing to attend services. Dole has been a dedicated, lifelong friend to Haskell and it was greatly appreciated by him. All are welcome.


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