ROCKLAND — Charles Brian Trask, of Rockland, Maine, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, at the age of 81. He was born on June 13, 1944, in Bar Harbor, Maine, to Orville and Esther Trask. Brian was a quiet and thoughtful man, widely known for his intelligence, stubborn perseverance, and understated humor.

From an early age, Brian demonstrated a strong musical aptitude. In high school, he was assigned the tuba and became an accomplished player in the Pemetic High School band. He also taught himself to play the guitar, enjoyed singing with his siblings, participated in musical theater, dabbled in basketball, and served as Vice President of his senior class. He graduated from Pemetic High School in 1962.

Brian attended Amherst College, initially studying oceanography before switching his major to geology and earning a Bachelor’s degree in 1966. During these years, his love of the natural world deepened, especially the Maine coast. Family members recall that whenever he returned home from a field trip, he carried two suitcases: a small one for clothing and a much larger one filled with rocks collected for analysis and discussion with his professors. He spent many hours revisiting the beaches of his childhood, now seeing them through both scientific and affectionate eyes.

After Amherst, Brian moved to Austin, Texas, to continue his studies in geology at the University of Texas. There he met Marilyn, a nursing student who would become his lifelong partner. After a short courtship, they were married on May 3, 1969.

In June 1969, Brian enlisted in the United States Coast Guard during the Vietnam War. His leadership and intellect were quickly recognized, leading to his selection for Officer Candidate School. Commissioned as an Ensign in 1970, he was assigned to Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he contributed to marine regulatory work.

Brian earned his Master’s degree in geology from the University of Texas in 1972. Shortly after the birth of their daughter, Colleen, he transitioned to the Coast Guard Reserves, and the family moved to Syracuse, New York, where he pursued doctoral studies. Following the birth of their son, Aaron, Brian completed his Ph.D. in geology from Syracuse University in 1976.

The family briefly lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Brian worked as a research scientist at Gulf Science and Technology Company, before settling in Champaign, Illinois. There, Brian and Marilyn raised their children, built lasting friendships, and established deep roots. Brian spent the remainder of his professional career with the Illinois State Geological Survey, where his work included coal mapping in western Illinois, geotechnical investigations for Argonne National Laboratory, and coastal monitoring along Lake Michigan. Respected for both his expertise and generosity, Brian was a mentor to many colleagues. He later transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 2008, he retired from the Illinois State Geological Survey after 30 years of dedicated service.

In retirement, Brian and Marilyn returned to Maine, settling in Rockland, a place that reflected Brian’s lifelong connection to the coast. They embraced community life fully, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Project Puffin, Friends of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, and participating in educational programs that reflected their shared love of learning. They were devoted members of the Rockland Congregational Church, where they sang in the choir and served faithfully. Above all, their retirement years were filled with time spent with grandchildren, whom Brian adored.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Esther Trask; his beloved wife, Marilyn Trask; and his brother, Phillip Trask.

He is survived by his daughter, Colleen Ulbricht (Bob Ulbricht) of St. Charles, Missouri, and their children Ashley, Elizabeth, David, and Ryan; his son, Aaron Trask (Jennifer Trask) of Fairfax, Virginia, and their children Natalie, Alicia, Lorelai, and Alastar; and his siblings Muriel Davisson-Fahey, Bud Trask, and Emily Trask-Eaton, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss him deeply.

A celebration of Brian’s life will be held on June 28, 2026, at the Trask family home in Bernard, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Brian’s memory to the Georges River Land Trust.