WEST GARDINER - Phillip E. "Flip" Hodgkins, 66, of West Gardiner, passed away on Sunday, December 7th, at Togus Springs Hospice after a long fight with respiratory illness. Born November 23, 1959, to Phillip and Hilda Hodgkins, Phil grew up in the Gardiner area and graduated from Gardiner Area High School in 1978. He enlisted in the Air Force after graduation and was stationed in Plattsburgh, N.Y. until his honorable discharge in 1983. Returning to Maine, he worked for 30 years as a heavy equipment mechanic at Brunswick Naval Air Station until it closed. He then worked 9 years as a mechanic and plow crewman for the City of Gardiner and later worked at Motor Supply. He was known for his strong work ethic and his expertise with machinery. He was loved and respected by the communities he served. Phil married his high school sweetheart Kathy the day before his birthday in 1980, and they were blessed to celebrate 45 years together this year. He was a devoted father to son John (JC) and daughter Amber, and nothing meant more to him than his family. He was a dedicated hunter and fisherman and loved spending time outdoors with his crew. He also spent many weekends "solving the world's problems" out in his garage with his favorite people. He was always ready for an adventure, had a mischievous sense of humor, and was an excellent partner in crime and chaos. He was predeceased by his father Phillip Hodgkins and wife Shirley, his mother Hilda and husband Keith Whitmore, and his brother John Hodgkins. He is survived by his wife Kathy Hodgkins; son John C Hodgkins; daughter Amber Hodgkins and wife Christina, and granddaughter Taylor Hodgkins. He is also survived by sisters Phyllis Call and Bethany Lauzon, aunt Janice Kelman, Mother-in-Law Ellen Starks, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. There will be a celebration of life at a later date, but those who knew him can visit his memorial page at www.staplesfuneralhome.com to share your memories. Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.