SOUTH PORTLAND - Charles "Charlie" A. Hamlin, 69, of South Portland, passed away on Saturday, January 18th after a very brief illness.

Charlie was born on May 6, 1955, in Portland, Maine, the son of Clarence A. Hamlin and Avis R. Merrow.  Charlie graduated from South Portland High School in 1974.  His entire life was lived in South Portland.  He was a man of many talents and would attempt to fix anything.  Things he couldn't fix, he would hang onto because he might need the parts for something else.  He had various jobs but spent the past twenty years working for Drillen Hardware in South Portland.  He was known throughout South Portland and Cape Elizabeth for his eagerness to help.  When he wasn't working at the store, he was fixing anything with a small engine, delivering various items for customers, snow blowing driveways and sidewalks or browsing the "swap shop".  He was old school right to the end.  He never owned a computer or a cell phone.  Banking was done in person and he always showed up with chocolates for the tellers.  His list of customers are handwritten in a notebook along with the service provided and handwritten receipts.  If you needed something, Charlie probably had it.  He has been a landlord for almost 50 years.

He is survived by his son, Brian and his wife Erin, and daughter Karen McCue, five grandchildren: Christopher Foley, Patrick McCue, Alaina, Evelyn and Rian Hamlin.

He leaves behind five siblings: sisters, Susan Hiltunen (Lane), Nancy Blanchard, Betsy Smith, Mary West, and brother, Clyde Hamlin.

He will be missed by his family, friends, and many customers.  His grandchildren will miss seeing him on the sidelines of their games, cheering everyone on.

We would like to thank Hospice of Southern Maine for springing into action and making things happen in a very short period of time.  Thank you, Kelly and Hope, for your care, visits, and support.

Visiting hours will be Wednesday, January 22nd from 4-6 pm, with a brief period for prayers at 5:30pm, at Hobbs Funeral Home in South Portland. A private burial will be held at Brooklawn Memorial Cemetery in Portland.