Frank Withee

GREENE – Frank Withee, 89, of Greene, passed away Sept. 14 2021, at his home with his loving family at his side. Frank was born in Hartland on June 2, 1932. He grew up in Dexter and spent much of his time as young man working around harness horses.

Frank wed Barbara Obermeyer on Jan. 27, 1951, and they were married for 70 years and raised five children. He worked at Bates College for 23 years and often picked up part-time jobs to support his family. After leaving the college, Frank then pursued his career in harness racing, which spanned five decades.

Frank had moved his family to Greene and had a small barn at his place. He raised a filly named Bellnow who went on to become a wonderful racehorse. Bellnow raced at Saratoga, N.Y., in June of 1973 and won, pacing in 2:00.3, which was a national season record for four-year-old pacing mares at the time. Frank also had track records with Chester Baron 1:58.4 at Lewiston Raceway in 1986, On The Bay 1:56 at Bangor Raceway in 2001,and Rhine Wine 1:56 at Farmington in 1999. These three records are still standing today.

Frank also managed Lavish Acres in Greene, a large training and breeding facility. He was employed there for 16 years. After the farm was sold, Frank stabled the horses on his property on the Blaisdell Road in Greene.

He continued to train and race horses until recently. Frank last raced at Scarborough Downs on Oct. 20, 2018, where he won the race with Ms. Lynette.

Frank enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was always interested in their activities and sports. He would always ask how they were doing and occasional would attend a baseball, softball, basketball or hockey game to cheer them on.

He is survived by his two sisters, Joyce King and Glenice Hodgon; his daughter, Kathy Campbell and husband Mark, son, Steve Withee, daughter, Kim Withee, daughter, Robyn Crochere and husband David, and son, Jason Withee and wife Maureen; grandchildren Christopher, Rebecca, Jessica, Danielle, Kaitlin, Ashley, Nicholas, Samantha; great-grandchildren Reed, Dexter, Isabella, Coraline, Bentley; and many nieces and nephews.

Frank was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, in February 2021; and three brothers, Clint, Gordon and Alton Withee.

There will be a celebration of his life on Sunday, Oct. 17, at 12 p.m., at the family home.

Those who desire may contribute to

Androscoggin Home Health Care and Hospice

15 Strawberry Ave.

Lewiston, ME 04240

in his memory