- Date Of Birth: February 26, 1935
- Date Of Death: April 9, 2015
- State: Maine
Wayne A. Hollingworth, long time resident of Freeport, Maine passed away peacefully Thursday, April 9, 2015, after a long illness, at Maine Medical Center with friends at his bedside, singing union, sea shanty and traditional songs and seeing him off to his next adventure.
Wayne was born on February 26, 1935 in Providence, RI to Robert and Ruth Hollingworth. His family moved to Edgewood, RI. He graduated from Cranston High School.
After attending the University of Rhode Island he became involved in the Rhode Island fishing community.
Wayne served honorably in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany. Returning to civilian life, he moved to NYC to study photography. He excelled in photography school and was hired to teach there. Photography put him in touch with the New York art world. He documented the choreography of Trisha Brown and the work of performance artist, Joan Jonas, which were published. Artist, Chuck Close, used Wayne’s photo of his brother for the Close painting and groundbreaking print series called “Keith”. The original painting hangs in the prestigious, St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis, MO.
Wayne had a long love of traditional folk music. His deep booming singing voice was heard as he came or went at the Freeport Community Center, doctors’ offices and even in the hospital. His NYC period coincided with the 1960’s folk music revival. His loft in Lower Manhattan became an unofficial coffee house where he hosted and sang with significant musicians of the time. His love of traditional folk music was abiding and he remained devoted to the study, discovery, revival and singing of English, Scottish and Irish songs, as well as sea shanties and other traditional music.
Wayne loved to work in wood and loved the beauty of a well-made tool. He studied at the Wooden Boat School and was involved in building several small boats and half hull models. And, he was a gardener. His reading material in the hospital included Wooden Boat magazines and seed catalogues.
Wayne was a true, union man.
Wayne was a die-hard participant at all levels of democracy. He was a long time supporter of Congressman Mike Michaud and willingly supported many political candidates with his computer and political skills. He had a seemingly endless supply of signs, stakes, and plywood for campaigns. Wayne served for many years as the Chair of the Freeport Democratic Committee as well as on the Maine State Democratic Committee. He was proud to support the environmental work of the Maine Clammers Association and was equally engaged in Freeport town politics and was admired for his candor and common sense when he spoke at Freeport Town Council, Library or other public meetings.
Wayne served as a counselor in the Aspire Program in Lewiston. He was a strong advocate for women’s rights and leader in breaking the barriers for women to work in non-traditional, better paying jobs and fought for fair treatment and protection for women and children who were battered and beaten down.
After retirement, Wayne completed his bachelor’s degree at the Lewiston-Auburn Campus of University of Southern Maine. He became mentor, teacher, coach and advisor to students (and faculty) there. He touched many lives, including those of many “New Mainers” (immigrants). His beloved adopted granddaughter wrote: “He was a friend, a mentor, a father-figure, an elder, and adopted as an Awowo (Somali grandfather). He built bridges of love and understanding when it would have been easier to remain aloof. He adopted a Somali name (Elmi) because he wanted to strengthen his bond with (me) his adopted Somali granddaughter.”
Wayne attended the Durham Friends Meeting. He loved the open atmosphere and acceptance of this community, as well as the style of worship in which silence as well as speaking thoughtfully, were both important and valued.
Wayne had a huge impact in many communities and lives. As an old friend and admirer said; “He left a very wide swath of goodness in this world.”
