Lester W. Junkins – “Uncle Les”

JUNKINS, Lester W., 90, OXBOW, June 20, 2012. A private burial will be held at the Willard Cemetary in OxBow, at a later date. Arrangements in care of Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, Ashland.

 OXBOW  – Lester W. Junkins, “Uncle Les”, 90, died June 20, 2012, at the home of Steven and Judy Sherman, whose generous and loving care allowed him to remain in OxBow his entire life. Lester was born May 8, 1922, the son of Leon and Eldora (Atkins) Junkins. One of eight children, Lester attended the 1-room, East End schoolhouse and worked on the family farm during his childhood. Lester attended high school in Presque Isle, living with family members during those four years.
    After serving in the United States Army in Japan, Lester returned to OxBow where he farmed, guided sportsmen and finally worked in the woods industry for various companies including that of his brother- in-law, Lendell McKee until his “retirement”. After retiring from the lumber industry, Lester still cut and delivered firewood well into his 70’s. He also worked for the North Maine Woods as a gate keeper at the OxBow Checkpoint for 24 years, finishing his working life at the age of 88. He made many friends during his time on the gate that looked forward to seeing him from year to year.
    Lester was a proud and dedicated member of the Ashland Rotary Club for over 60 years. He joined the club on Jan. 19, 1950. During the 60th anniversary of Ashland Rotary’s incorporation in 2008, The Ashland Rotary Club formally celebrated Lester’s Rotary career, when family, friends and Rotary officials recognized his many club accomplishments including several leadership positions, his membership as a Paul Harris Fellow and nearly perfect attendance.
    During the time of Lester’s employment in the woods industry, he traveled, without fail, from whatever woods’ camp he was stationed to attend his Thursday night Rotary meeting. In the club’s recent years, Lester was often looked to as a historian for the club. Additionally, Lester was a 55-year member of the IOOF of Maine.
    Lester lived a full and productive 90 years. His tenacity and “can-do” attitude inspired family and friends who surrounded him.
    In addition to his parents, Lester was pre-deceased by four brothers and one sister: Harold, Hartley, Evelyn, Laurel “Jake” and Stanley Junkins. He was also pre-deceased by a nephew, Pearl Junkins.
    Lester is survived by his two dear sisters, Ruth McKee and Rita Sherman. Though he had no children of his own, Lester helped parent six nephews and four nieces. His loving care and patient guidance has carried them through childhood into adulthood. Their children and grandchildren also fondly remember him.
    Lester enjoyed teaming horses, the Ashland Rotary Club, planting and sharing his large garden, hosting the annual hunting crew steak feed, visits from his family, good times spent with friends, and pink peppermints.
    He was very proud of his family and was heartened by the fact that he was known by family and friends alike as “Uncle Lester”.
    Lester’s family would like to thank the Hospice of Aroostook, Houlton Division, for their excellent care.
    A funeral service was held on Saturday, June 23, at the Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home. A private burial will be held at the Willard Cemetary in OxBow, at a later date. To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com