Alan Hardcastle, 80, of Augusta, Maine, passed away on March 18, 2012, with his wife, Birgit, and daughter, Caitlin, at his bedside. Alan was born in 1931 in Brooklyn, New York, and learned to play the piano from a renowned pianist, John Mohegan of the Julliard School of Music, which started him on his career as an entertainer and jazz pianist.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1956. And it was after his Navy tour that he began his life as a painter/artist as well as his career as an entertainer.
Alan moved to The Valley in 1962 and worked at various venues where he was a focal point of The Valley community. He met his wife of 46 years, Birgit, while working at the Sugarbush Inn. Alan and Birgit had one daughter, Caitlin, and they moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he became an integral part of the PalmAire Dinner Theater and also entertained in their lounge.
The Hardcastle family moved to Augusta, Maine, in 1996 where Alan had the opportunity to spend more time as an artist. However, it should be noted that his heart remained in The Valley, and he and Birgit visited as often as possible.
Until his last day Alan remained a very funny guy. He was also extremely proud and attached to his extended family and lived next door to his daughter Caitlin and his two granddaughters, Melissa and Heather, until his death.
Alan was predeceased by his parents and brother, Jim. As per his request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. A gathering of his family and friends will be held later in the spring to celebrate his life. To send condolences to Birgit and Caitlin, they can be reached at 34 Philbrick Road, Augusta, Maine 04330-2642.
