BROOKS — On Jan. 11, 2016, Carl E. Hubbard of Brooks passed away peacefully at his home after a long, and courageous battle with cancer. He was 58 years old.

He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a son, a brother and a man with an enormous heart. He cared for and helped not only the people he knew, but complete strangers. He was a fisherman and a poet, and a blessing to all who knew him. He was the kind of man who leaves a void that cannot be filled.

Carl was one of those rare people you meet, who inherently have a kind of inner light and goodness that cannot help but shine through. He had a strong moral compass, a fierce sense of loyalty, an unmatched work ethic and an absolute willingness to help those who were in need. In fact, in the more than 20 years that he owned his heating business, Carl often helped families keep their homes warm, free of charge or by bartering for other services and goods. He spent a majority of his life on the family farm he grew up on in Brooks, and was comforted at the end of his life with the knowledge that he would pass away on the land he loved to fish and farm.

Carl was married to the love of his life, Pamela Hubbard, for 38 years. They had the kind of love that could not be mistaken when they looked at one another. Together, they raised two children, and later five grandchildren. Nothing was more important to Carl than his family, and he cherished his time with them, from big meals around the table and rowdy football games, to peaceful camping trips in Northern Maine and weekend barbecues. He taught his children and grandchildren the importance of humility, compassion, common sense, hard work and laughter.

For 14 months, Carl lived with the knowledge that he was terminally ill. He took very little time to feel sorry for himself, and instead focused on living his life to the fullest. The biggest gift you can give someone is your time, and Carl spent the past year with his family and closest friends. An avid Patriots fan, Carl found a lifeline this past year in football. As much as he wanted to live to see the New Year, he wanted badly to see the Patriots win another Super Bowl.

Carl loved the springtime. He loved the sound of the roaring streams on the farm, fishing for brook trout, gathering fiddleheads and planting his garden. He loved the smells that spring brought, and the return of daylight and warm weather. For that reason, he asked that his service be held in the spring. His family will share details in the upcoming months.

Carl was predeceased by his father, Albert Hubbard; and his brothers, Richard and Albert Jr. He is survived by his wife, Pamela; his daughter, Mandi Thomas and her partner, Joseph Watts, and their son, Isaac Hubbard; his mother, Lilla Hubbard; his brothers, Philip Hubbard, and Christopher Hubbard and his fiance, Diane; his sisters, Sally and her husband, Henry Kenney, Nancy and her husband, Ron Ray, Della Heath, Lori Hubbard and Linda Cunningham; his grandchildren, Dylan Locke, Rowan Locke, Zen Hubbard, Emma Hubbard and Pearl Thomas; his mother-in-law, Charlene Cook; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts.

Carl's family would like to give special thanks to hospice nurse Jessica L., the Lafayette Family Cancer Center, Dr. Ron Cormier and Dennis Bailey. They would also like to thank Carl's best friends, John Penney and Chris Hubbard, who never counted him out, and were by his side until the end.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home.