OBITUARIES for Thursday, July 11, 2024

LINDA M. CUNNINGHAM

VASSALBORO – Linda M. (Rice) Cunningham, 79, of Vassalboro, died Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Maine Gen­eral Rehab & LTC at Glen­ridge, in Au­gusta. Born in Columbus, Ohio, on July 16, 1944, the daughter of Lauriston and Mildred (Willis) Rice.

Linda, known as Lin, Ma or Nana, was the glue for all of her family and friends. On any given day, you could find Linda out in her flower and vegetable gardens, at her kitchen table with a cup of coffee or playing a game of cards. She looked forward to hunting season every year, cooking in her kitchen waiting for her family and friends to pop in for some food and warmth. These were times Linda cherished and she welcomed any and all into her home. She loved hosting for the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Linda had a special connection with animals and had several German shepherds over the years along with many cats that she loved fiercely. Her favorite life lesson to share was “you can never have too many cats or too many babies”. There was nothing more that she cherished than to have her house filled with everyone she loved.

Linda was predeceased by her parents, her longtime partner, Carroll Waldron, as well as her nephew Thomas Picher.

Linda will be remembered by her children Julia Browne, of Vassalboro, Timothy (Jennifer) Cunningham, of Winthrop, Darrin (Deborah) Cunningham, of Augusta, and Mathew (Angela) Cunningham, of China; her grandchildren Jessica (Kabary) Gogan, Daniel Browne, Karrisa Browne, Kyle Cunningham (Hayley), Stephanie Cunningham, Tyler Cunningham and Allyson Cunningham, as well as seven great-grandchildren; her brother Perley (Wanda) Rice; and sister Gail (Robert) Picher.

Linda’s graveside service will be held on her birthday, Tuesday, July 16, at 11 a.m., at the North Vassalboro Village Cemetery, Cemetery Street, North Vassalboro, Maine.

Arrangements and guidance are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

DAVID R. MAWHINNEY

WATERVILLE – David Randall Mawhinney, “Randy”, 62, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. David was born in Rumford, on February 15,1962, the son of David E. Mawhinney and Joyce Peters (Rumley).

He was a man of immense humor and wisdom, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones and his springer spaniels.
David graduated from Mexico High School. He was self-employed in the beginning of his career on the West coast as a carpenter, then settling down at the local college, here on the East coast. Throughout his career, he was known for his hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others. In addition, he was always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

But more than anything, David Mawhinney was a devoted father. He loved spending time with his children and especially his grandchildren: sharing stories and getting down on the floor to play games. He was always there to offer guidance, support, and encouragement, no matter what challenges he faced. In his free time, David enjoyed woodworking, playing his guitar, racing around in his pontoon boat, and just relaxing out to camp.

David is survived by his mother, Joyce Peters (Rumley); his son David Mawhinney and daughter Megan Mawhinney; and his grandchildren, Hunter Mawhinney, Parker Veilleux, and Oliver Mawhinney; sister Kim Mawhinney-Sandahl and husband Bill, Jill Lehr and husband Tony; his great-nephew Jarek Stolting and great-niece Amelia Stolting.

He was predeceased by his father David E.Mawhinney, brother Michael Mawhinney, niece Jessica Lynn Brian, and his step-father Gregory Peters.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday August 10, 2024, at 1 p.m., At the Manson Central Lodge # 45, 50 Main Street, South China, Maine 04358. All friends and family are welcome.

CHAPPELL F. NELSON

CLINTON – Chappell F. Nelson, 64, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Levant. He was born Jan­uary 5, 1960, in Waterville, the son of Fred and Carleen Nelson.

Chap graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. He graduated from Colby College, in Waterville, in 1982, and received a master’s degree from Ohio State University. After graduating he worked at Colby as the equipment manager starting in 1985, until going to Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, in 2016.

Chap was exceptional in his role as the equipment manager at Bowdoin which often consisted of early morning, and late evening hours in support of the young athletes and coaches.

Chap was a high school baseball umpire for over 40 years. He served on the Executive Committee of the Umpires Association for most of those years. Chap was known across the state for his skills and reputation as an umpire. He loved baseball and would do anything he could to help fellow umpires in the game of baseball.

Chap coached baseball at Colby from 1989-2017. He coached at Professional Baseball Experience for 18 years. He also coached legion baseball since he was 18 years old. Lastly, he umpired for 30 years.

Surviving is his mother S. Carleen Nelson; sister Carolyn (Nelson) Corey, (Tim); nephew Gabe Corey (Nicole); niece Cheryl Smith and Beth Leary (Sean); Great-nieces and nephews Nathan, Carmen, Maddie, Jameson, Gwen, Andrew, Abel and Scarlett.

He was predeceased by his father Fred Nelson and brother John Arlo.

A celebration of life was held July 6 at the Colby College gymnasium.

Those who wish to remember Chap in a special way may donate to a senior athlete at Lawrence High School, 9 School St., Fairfield, ME 04937. Donations need to be marked in memory of Chap Nelson, or donate to Kennebec Somerset Umpire Association, Richard McGovern, 27 Forest Ave., Augusta, ME 04330.

KAREN H. CASEY

SOUTH CHINA – Karen H. Casey, 64, died Sunday, June 23, 2024, at Northern Light Inland Hospital, in Waterville, following a brief illness. She was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on March 25, 1960, the daughter of the late Raymond G. and Elaine (Bickford) Beaulieu.

Karen was a graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, class of 1978. She had been employed by the State of Maine, Department of Health and Human Services for many years.

She enjoyed music, shopping, and lunch at the Olive Garden, in Augusta. Her greatest joy was spending time with family. She will be remembered for her witty personality.

Karen was predeceased by her husband, Kevin Casey.

She is survived by her daughter, Amy L. Naegely and her husband Jacob, of Vassalboro; her son, Michael R. Hoague and his wife Kathleen, of China; her brother, Gilman Beaulieu and partner Jesus Magana, of California; four grandchildren, Luke and Lydia Naegely and Harper and Hadley Hoague; and several cousins.

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, July 6, at the China Legion Hall, China. A private family burial will be held at a later time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Rt. 32, Windsor, ME.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

LEANNE J. FOURNIER

WINDSOR – Leanne Joy Fournier, 63, passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2024, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born November 10, 1960, and grew up in Augusta with parents Donald and Lorelei (Huff) Pushard.

Leanne graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, in the class of 1979. On March 14, 1981, she married Richard Fournier and the two settled in Windsor and raised a family. As a young woman, she earned her CNA license and worked as a CNA throughout her life at various facilities in the greater Augusta area as well as providing in-home care.

Leanne was a member of the Le Club Calumet, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, Augusta Lodge #964, the Cushnoc Seniors Club, and the DAV Auxillary. In addition, she was very active in her children’s activities which included being a Den Mother in Cub Scouts, and supporting the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. A devoted mother, she thoroughly enjoyed making memories on family vacations when everyone was together.

Leanne will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, memere, and aunt with a smile for all.

She was predeceased by her son, Richard P. Fournier Jr.; and her parents.

Leanne is lovingly survived by her husband of 43 years, Richard P. Fournier Sr.; her children, Matthew Fournier and his wife Jodi, Daniel Fournier, and Angel Lyshon and her husband Justin; her grandchildren, Braxten, Lily, and Eli Fournier, Addi and Annabella Morris, and Carson, Colby, and Jenessa Lyshon; her sisters, Wendy Annis and her husband William, and Dawn Tobey and her spouse Tracey; and many nieces, nephews, as well as other family members and friends.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 2, at the funeral home with burial following at Maine Veterans Cemetery (Committal Shelter), 143 Blue Star Ave., Augusta.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Leanne’s name may be made to University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469. Memo: Richard P. Fournier Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund.

JOHN DATSIS

WINSLOW – John Datsis, 90, passed away in peaceful sleep at Lakewood nursing home, in Waterville, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, where he had resided for the past 1-1/2 years. John was born in Waterville on April 17, 1934, one of five children of Steve and Helena (Gunning) Datsis.

John attended local schools and was active in sports. He was on the Waterville varsity basketball and golf teams and a proud member of the golf state championship team his senior year. John graduated from Waterville High school in 1952.

He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard September 1952. He was stationed at Cocoas Island off the coast of Guam as a radio operator during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged from the service in September 1956. John was employed in the family business, Datsis Hot Dog Place, until its closure in 1968. He then was employed as a mail carrier for the Waterville Post Office until his retirement in 1996.

John married the love of his life, Gloria Datsis, on June 28, 1958. It was fortuitous that Gloria decided to go to Datsis Hot Dog Place one day for lunch, and the next day their courtship began. The rest is history. John and Gloria were very blessed to enjoy 65 years of marriage.

John had many interests and hobbies. John enjoyed fishing off the coast of York, Maine, for striped bass with his son Kurt and fishing on Moosehead Lake with his son Todd. He was an avid gardener. John would stay out in his gardens all day unless Gloria persuaded him to come back into the house to eat a meal.

John was the most enthusiastic fan at his granddaughter Devon’s field hockey games and at his granddaughter Vanessa’s softball games. John appreciated spending time with his grandson, Ethan, and was grateful that Ethan experienced such joy in the great outdoors. After his grandson, Sam, went into the military (Air Force), John began to reminisce about their shared military experience. Sam followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and was also stationed in Guam. The two of them shared many stories about their common experiences in Guam.

We learned that he and his ffather were stationed on a small remote island, Cocoas Island, and was using top secret tracking technology to identify enemy war planes during the Korean war.

John gave Sam many words of advice about all of the places he wanted him to visit in Guam that he had previously been to.

John was also an avid deer hunter; an activity he shared with his son Kurt and son-in-law Fred. John was the happiest when he was just spending quiet time with his wife or traveling with her to their favorite destination, Todd’s camp on Moosehead Lake.

John was predeceased by his parents; brother James Datsis, sister Ethel (Datsis) Veilleux, brother Pavlo Datsis, and sister Sunny (Datsis) Pomerleau.

John is survived by his wife Gloria; daughter Lisa Datsis and her husband Frederick Currie, of Winslow; sons Todd Datsis, of St. Augustine, Florida, and Kurt Datsis and his wife Ellen, of York; and grandchildren, Samuel Currie, Devon Datsis, Vanessa Currie, and Ethan Datsis.

Visiting hours took place July 2, 2024, at Veilleux Funeral Home, Elm Street, Waterville with the funeral service taking place with burial tfollowing at Howard Cemetery, in Winslow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to Profound Autism Alliance at profoundautism.org.

NORMAN R. GIROUX

OAKLAND – Norman Robert Giroux, 87, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Bedside Memory Care, in Oakland, where he had been a resident for five years. He was born on November 10, 1936, to Albert Giroux and Naomi Letourneau Giroux. He was their only child.

He attended Waterville schools and graduated from Waterville High in 1954. He married Doris Arlene Cormier in April, 1956. They were married for 65 years before she passed in July, 2021.

He joined the Maine Army National Guard after high school. He served until his retirement in October 1996, retiring as a Colonel. He served at various armories around the state in several positions through the years and was affiliated with the Regiment Engineering Corps. He was an S4, a supply officer, a Battalion Commander, Group Executive Officer, DOM officer, and Director of Intelligence. He was part of the Bangor, Waterville, and Augusta armories to name a few. He attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth in Leavenworth, Kansas to advance in the ranks as well.

His regular job was as a member of the United States Postal Service where he served as a sub, a carrier, and moved onto a nighttime mangement position.

He and his wife are survived by his son, Tim (Paul Anctil) Giroux, and his daughter, Karen (Gerry) Rancourt. They had four grandchildren, Ryan (Megan) Rancourt, John Rancourt, Todd (Jenn) Rancourt, and Jill (Jeff) Merckens. They also have great-grandchilden, Rylee Nicole, Bridgette Anne, Alex Michael, Todd Richard Jr, and Colton Lee. They also have two step-great-grandchildren, Devin and Myles Littlefield; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and great-great-nieces and -nephews.

A Mass took place on July 6, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow, ME.

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home 8 Elm St, Waterville, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at https://vrlfuneralhome.com.

Anyone wishing to make a donation may donate to Bedside Memory Care Facility, 210 Country Club Rd., Oakland, ME 04963.

WALTER S. TILLSON SR.

SIDNEY – Walter S. “Gus” Tillson Sr., 83, passed away at his home, in Sidney, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, following a short battle with liver cancer. He was born in Augusta on November 2, 1940, to the late Arthur and Leona (Perry) Tillson.

Walter married Effie (Trask) Tillson on Aug. 30, 1958. They shared 56 wonderful years together before her passing in September of 2014.

Gus was a hard worker and he had various jobs throughout his life. He worked for Augusta Sewer District and Maine Wide, but was mostly self employed pouring concrete slabs and building garages. He was often referred to as the “concrete man”. Gus also helped raise numerous foster children becoming a father figure for them.

In 1968 Gus bought what he called “the farm” in Sidney. He raised his family here and this has become the home of four generations of Tillson’s.

In his free time, Gus loved spending time with family and friends. He was his happiest while sitting around a campfire with anyone that wanted to join him. The campfire was a daily occurrence and he looked forward to it every evening. If Gus was sitting at the campfire as his fellow disc golf players finished their game they would always stop and have a conversation with him. They often referred to him as “Pop, the man, the myth, the legend”.Gus also enjoyed fishing, hunting, working on the woodlot, gardening, making maple syrup, telling stories about the “old” days and dancing.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Roxanne, son, Arthur; and two grandchildren, Amanda and Eric, his brothers Charlie Sr., Arthur, and Sheldon, brother-in-law, Clyde Trask, sister-in-law, Naomi Buzzel; and his daughter-in-law, Coline Tillson.

He is survived by his children, Walter Jr., of Windsor, Tom and wife, Tammy, of Sidney, Jack, of Sidney, and Tim and wife Beth, of Connecticut; his grandchildren Derek Tillson and wife Sierra, of Sidney, Dylan Tillson and fiancée Kaitlyn Longley, of Oakland, and Caleb Truman, of Sidney; his great-granddaughters, Lillian and Abigail Tillson; his sister, Shirley Cooper, of Tennessee; his brother-in-law, George Trask and wife Gail, of Gardiner; a large extended family including nieces, nephews.

Gus has requested that instead of a funeral he would like everyone to have “one hell of a party”. This was held at 214 Philbrick Rd., in Sidney, on Saturday, July 6.

Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Pine Tree Camp, 114 Pine Tree Camp Rd., Rome, ME 04963.

BETSY E. BREMER

JEFFERSON – Betsy Ellen (Hayford) Bremer, 65, passed away peacefully, in Jefferson, on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Betsy was born in Orlando, Florida, on September 17, 1958, the daughter of Elbert Daniel Hayford Jr and Dorothy (Meigs) Hayford.

Betsy attended Erskine Academy, in South China, for one year and then transferred to Hall Dale High School, in Farmingdale, and graduated in the Class of 1976. One of her courses at the vocational center led her on the path of baby and child care, learning skills that would serve her well in her various jobs.

Betsy met Henry “Harry” Bremer, in Watervill,e and traveled to various states with him as he worked as an electrician. They lived in Illinois, California, New York and Maine. Betsy and Harry were married in August 1986.

Betsy was a caring, nurturing person, whether it was babies, adults, family or pets. She held various jobs in child care and was also a nanny. She transitioned to pet sitting and pet care, opening her business “Tender Care Pet Sitting Services.” She took exceptional care of her clients’ pets and left such detailed notes about the services she performed for them. She took care of dogs, cats, rabbits, even chickens. In later years, she qualified herself to become a Personal Care Assistant.

Betsy had her own pets and took great care of them. She had parrots, cats and rabbits. She loved shopping and making crafts and had a dedicated craft room in her home.

Betsy attended Alanon for a number of years and learned a great deal from the program. She also did volunteer work for Alanon, taking meeting minutes, performing bookkeeping and treasurer work for them.

Betsy had deep love for her family and friends. She cared for her father in his old age. She kept in touch with family and was always available to listen and offer loving advice.

Betsy was always aware of her spiritual need and studied the Bible in every state she lived in. She started studying the Bible regularly in 2017 in Maine. She overcame many challenges and developed a strong faith that carried her through difficult times. She dedicated her life to Jehovah God and was baptized on September 18, 2022.

Betsy was predeceased by her parents, her husband and her brother Elbert D. Hayford III.

Betsy is survived by her sisters Bonnie Glazier, Barbara Bonenfant and her husband Dan Bonenfant, and Connie Libby and her husband Jim Libby; nieces; nephews.

A Memorial service will be held at the Augusta Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, located at 8 Cross Hill Rd., on Saturdday, July 13, at 2 p.m. Burial will be next to her husband at the Central Maine Veterans Cemetery, on Mt Vernon Rd., in Augusta.

Cremation arrangements are by Mid Maine Cremation Services, at 453-6006.

JOYCE C. SCULLY

WATERVILLE – Joyce Claire Scully, 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home. Please visit http://www.gallantfh.com to view Joyce’s full obituary.

JEANNETTE LEIGHTON

SIDNEY – Jeannette Leighton, 85, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at her home, in Sidney. She was born November 30, 1938, to Carlton Mitchell Sr. and Grace Mitchell.

Jeannette graduated class of 1956 from Williams High School, in Oakland. From there she continued her education at Bangor Nursing School where she obtained a bachelor of science degree and became a registered nurse. She then married David Leighton Sr. in September 1960, and then spent the next 64 years by his side, enjoying each other to the fullest.

Jeannette loved watching her boys playing sports from Pop Warner Football throughout high school. She was a dedicated Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Jeannette and David Sr. loved to spend time at their camp, at Moosehead Lake, where they had many fond memories. The majority of their pastime, after retirement, included traveling, visiting all 50 states, visiting countries all over the world and many cruises, making memories and friends along the way. They wintered in Acadia, Florida, where they had so many friends come to the porch for happy hour.

She was predeceased by her parents, Carlton Mitchell Sr. and Grace Mitchell; her siblings Carlton Jr., George, Cindy and Grandson David Leighton III, of Greenville and Florence Julia of Fairfield.

Jeanette is survived by her husband David Leighton Sr.; her children David Jr, Dwight and his wife Theresa; and grandchildren Katie Bridges and husband Jake of Morris, Conn.; Dalton Leighton and wife Ceara of Oakland; great-grandchildren, Hazel Bridges, Quinn and Vivian Leighton and Linda Poellot and family of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; her sister Rose Dubois and husband Jon.

There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m., Friday, July 12, 2024, at 43 Lupine Lane, Sidney. Immediately followed by a social hour at their home of the same address.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local hospice care facility in honor of Jeannette.

GILMAN L. MADORE

WINSLOW – Gilman “Gil” Leo Madore, Jr., 60, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, following a years-long battle with cancer. Born in Melrose Park, Illinois, on June 2, 1964, the sixth of seven children, Gil was a member of the Waterville High School Class of 1982.

He received his degree in metallurgy from Eastern Maine Vocational Technical Institute in the late 1980s.

Gil worked at the Somerset SAPPI plant, in Hinckley, for 29 years and was a member of the United Steelworkers USW Local #9. He was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for 25 years and member of Siloam Lodge #92, in Fairfield, serving for a time as Master of the Lodge.

Gil was a Big Brother with the Big Brother/Big Sister program. He was a spokesman for this organization and coined the phrase “Get off the Couch” to encourage other men to become Big Brothers and mentors to young boys. In his younger years, Gil was a camper and a camp counselor at Camp Kennebec during the 1970s and early 1980s. His trips to the Allagash were his favorite outings and instilled in him a love of the land which he shared with so many others.

Gil’s favorite place on earth was his “Man Camp”, on Caribou Lake, in the unorganized territory T3R12. He was a mentor to his many nephews, teaching them boating, fishing, fire-building, hunting and proper gun safety skills. Gil’s love of the land lives on in these young men. Additionally, he fostered many friendships while at his camp, forming bonds that supported and sustained him to the last days of his life. This was evident in the dedication many of his friends showed, offering their time and talents to fulfill Gil’s dream of expanding the camp and providing a place for future generations.

Gil was a talented craftsman in the arts of metallurgy, lumbering and carpentry. He was a gifted welder, and he loved felling trees – the bigger the better. And if you’re one of the lucky ones, you have a set of Adirondack chairs specially made for you sitting on your deck.

Gil was preceded in death by his father, Gilman Leo Madore, Sr. and a nephew.

Gil is survived by his wife of 24 years, Mary Roy Madore; her parents Arthur and Dolores Roy; stepdaughters, Kate-Lynne MacKenzie Poulin (Brian), of Winslow, and Heather MacKenzie Thorne (Nick), of Winslow; his five grandchildren, Bradley, Sydney and Emma Poulin; and Brayden and MacKenzie Thorne; by his mother Nancy Gallagher and stepfather Mike Gallagher, of Oakland; siblings Kevin Madore (Olivia Atherton), Mike Madore, Sharon Madore, Lynn Brochu (Gary), Theresa Butler and Gigi Madore, Md., (Marsha Nelson); as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, July 12, at the Poulin-Turner Union Hall, 653 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, beginning at 3 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, and condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This link will take you directly to Gil’s memorial page: St. Jude Memorial Fund: Gilman Madore – St. Jude Memorial Funds (stjude.org).

GEORGE A. SAWTELLE

NEW HARBOR/WATERVILLE – George Allison Sawtelle, 90, of New Harbor, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Born in Waterville, Maine on January 19, 1934, he was the only child of George and Alice (Kitchin) Sawtelle.

He graduated from Waterville High School in 1952, and attended Coburn Classical Institute, in Waterville. His first job was as a delivery truck driver for Harris Baking Company, in Waterville. He then worked for several years as a salesman for the Fuller Brush Company. His charming and unassuming manner made him a favorite with many of his customers.

He held many sales positions over the course of his career, working for auto dealerships and insurance agencies. Eventually he established his own independent insurance agency, specializing in life and health insurance. He worked for L.L. Bean in his early retirement years.

In 1984 George married Judith Hatch Cheney and they made their home in New Harbor. He liked living by the ocean and boating. He was a member of the Lions Club, and proudly served the town as a Parks Commissioner.

For many years he enjoyed camping with friends and family. Snowmobiling, sailing, and bicycling were some of his favorite activities. He liked tinkering with electronics. He loved to hear about each of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and he was proud of all.

Besides his parents, George was predeceased by a son-in-law, Stephen Nelson.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; stepson, Richard Cheney and wife Karen, of New Harbor; a step-grandson; his five children, Georgette Sobey and husband Myron, of Pittsfield, Kathie Nelson, of Palermo, Timothy Sawtelle and wife Lynnda, of Albion, Tammie Willis, of Louden, New Hampshire, and Sarah McKeen and husband Darrell, of China; 15 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.

A time of visitation will be held from 1 – 3 p.m., on Monday, July 15, with a sharing of stories at 2 p.m., at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, in Damariscotta.

Donations in George’s memory may be made to Lakeside Advent Christian Campground located, in Belgrade, where George loved the time he spent as a youth, and the memories he made lasted a lifetime. Checks should be sent to Cherry Frewin, Lakeside Treasurer, 894 Brady Way, Jonesborough, TN 37659.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.

BRUCE D. LEEMAN

PALERMO – Bruce D. Leeman, 96, of Palermo, passed away peacefully at his home. He was born May 16, 1928, at the home of his parents, Guy and Lillian Scates Leeman. He was the youngest of the brothers, Archie, Guy and Lloyd.

We’ve been told he walked to the school on the Banton Road. Then he went to high school at Walker High School, in Liberty. He said he rode his bike there with some friends. One day, a girl asked for a ride home on his handlebars. He ended up marrying her, Elizabeth Mathieson, on October 31, 1947. Together they had four children, Linda, Mark, Eric and Parker; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Most of his life he was a self-employed as a mason. He also built houses for his daughter and granddaughter. He built several camps and his own two houses.

He worked eleven years for Kenway Boats. He and Guy planted trees all over the state. They cut Christmas trees and many went out of state. He also learned how to fly an airplane.

Bruce and Betty traveled across the United States, visiting friends and relatives. They also traveled to Germany and found some family there. They stayed with a friend stationed on a base there. The friends took them around Germany.

Bruce was preceded in death by his wife.

The grandchildren are going to have a gathering on Saturday, July 13, at 4:30 p.m., at the Sheepscot Fish and Game Club on Rte. 3.