Historical Legend in Lisbon Falls, is remembered

Submitted By : Pappy 

May 13, 2011 12:00 am

LEWISTON — Wilford "Bill" E. Barr, 84, of High Street, Lisbon Falls, died Tuesday, May 10, at Central Maine Medical Center.

He was born in Breedsville, Mich., Feb. 14, 1927, a son of the late Frank and Huldah (Wilber) Barr. He was educated in Indiana and graduated from LaGrange High School. Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from March 1945 until October 1946. He then went on to graduate from Purdue University, with a bachelor's degree in pharmaceutical in 1950.

He married the love of his life, Carolyn Rogers on Feb. 1, 1948. She predeceased him in March 2000. He owned and operated Robert's Pharmacy on Main Street in Lisbon Falls from 1977 to 1992. Bill was a member of the American Legion Post 66, serving as post adjutant from 1998 to present and post commander 1991 to 1992.

He served on a number of national committees including Distinguished Guests Committee, Children and Youth Regional Committee, serving as chairman and vice chairman and the National Americanism Council from 1986 to 1989, 2001 to 2007 and 2008 to present. For the Department (State) level of the American Legion he served as department chaplain 1986 to 1992, children and youth chairman 1988 to 1992, department Americanism chairman 1993 to 1994, constitution and bylaws chairman 1995 to 1996, department judge advocate 1995 to 1996, department oratorical committee chairman 2004 to present. He was also District 3, Androscoggin County adjutant 2005 to present and Androscoggin County commander 2004 to 2006.

Bill became a master Mason in 1958 at St. Joseph Lodge No. 45 in South Bend, Ind. In 1966, he affiliated with Council Oaks Lodge No. 745 in South Bend. After moving to Maine in 1971, he affiliated with Ancient York Lodge No. 155 in 1972, later serving as master in 1976, 1985 and 2004. He served as secretary in 1978 and marshal from 2005 to present. His many lodge activities included the Grand Lodge CHIP's Program serving as chairman from 2005 to 2009. He was presented with a 25-year membership pin in April 1983 and a 40-year membership pin in April 1998. The Grand Lodge of Maine presented him with an Honorary Fifty Year Veteran Medal in 2008. He and his wife, Carolyn joined the Pioneer Chapter, OES in 1972. In 1976, he served as associate patron and in 1977 as worthy patron. The chapter presented him with a 25-year membership pin in 1997 and a life membership in 2007.

He was in the Scottish and York Rights, the Kora Shriners, charter member of the Lisbon Historical Society, where he was president for 10 years and Maine Society Sons of the American Revolution. He was also on the Town of Lisbon Advisory Board, member of the Lisbon Board of Selectman, serving as chairman for one year. He was an avid genealogist, researching both his family and his wife's family history, along with the history of Lisbon and the surrounding area. He researched and published "Lisbon at its Birth, June 1799." He was a contributor to several genealogical publications. He worked on the Moxie Days committee from the beginning, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and was the Business Man of the Year in 1984. He was also an avid Celtics fan — even through the rough years.

He leaves two daughters, Sheryl Berkley and her husband, Clay, of Indiana, and Mary Heald and her longtime companion, Dan Pinette, of Litchfield; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his four brothers, Ralph, Harold, Devon and Duane.
Family and friends are invited to offer condolences and share fond memories of Bill by visiting his guest book at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com

May 13, 2011 12:00 am

BARR — Wilford E., 84, of High Street, Lisbon Falls, died Tuesday, May 10. Visitation at the funeral home on Sunday, May 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral will be on Monday May 16, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Committal will be held at a later date at Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. Donations may be made to American Legion Charities or the Lisbon Historical Society in lieu of flowers. A service of Crosman Funeral Home, Cremation & Monument Services, 40 Main St., Lisbon Falls, 353-4951.

A Highly Decorated Vietnam Veteran and Friend has Gone West

STEVEN CRAIG “BEAR” MILES

Steven “Bear” Miles, 61, passed away Monday March 9th, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer.

He was born December 13th, 1947 in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, the second of five very beloved children born to Kenneth Miles and Winifred (Moulton) Miles. Steven attended Piscataquis Community High School in Guilford, Maine and graduated in 1967. Shortly after graduating from high school, Steven joined the U.S. Army and served 3 tours of duty in Vietnam as part of the 101st Airborne Rangers.

During his service in Vietnam, Steven was a highly decorated soldier earning numerous prestigious medals for bravery and valor as well as many campaign awards and citations. Like many soldiers who had experienced combat, he rarely shared those experiences with even his family and closest friends. Nicknamed “Bear” for his large hands, burly 6’ 4” frame, and penchant for hunting, Steven joined the 76th Training Group in the Army Reserves and became a senior instructor. He conducted training classes at West Point, Tacoma Washington OCS, and numerous other military posts throughout the United States.

Upon returning home from Vietnam, Steven worked at Guilford Industries for many years in a variety of positions and supervisory roles. Additionally, he worked for the Piscataquis Sheriff’s department, and on the Guilford Voluntary Fire Department. For the last 20 years, Steven worked at Bath Iron Works in the Carpenter and Maintenance Shop earning various certifications in welding, fabrication, and crane operation. He also held the post of Shop Steward for the Local S6 Union for a number of years.

In his spare time, “Bear” enjoyed a wide variety of recreational activities embracing almost any outdoor sporting event. He thoroughly enjoyed long motorcycle rides with his wife Barbara, and trail-riding on his 4-wheeler. Some of his favorite pursuits were canoeing, bird hunting, fishing, ice fishing, and sharing deer hunts with his cherished Uncle Roger and many close friends. Rarely did Steve and his friends come home empty-handed from a hunt, but if they did, it only meant that the stories of the “one that got away” and the jokes at the evening card game would get more colorful.

Telling jokes was a trademark of “Bear”. He enjoyed telling tall tales for a laugh and tried to leave those he met with a smile and a warm place in their heart for having met him. This characteristic would hold true even as he undertook his battle with cancer. Through long hours of doctor’s exams, CAT scans, treatments, and therapies, Steve continued to pull pranks and tell jokes even up to his final hours of life.

Steven is survived by his devoted wife Barbara Miles of Lisbon Falls, ME, his loving mother Winifred Miles of Guilford, ME, brother Dennis Miles and his wife Shirley of Sioux Falls, SD, sister Kenene Wintle of Manchester, NH, brother Jerris Miles and his wife Glenda of Yankton, SD, brother Tallus Miles and his wife Anita of Lewiston, ME; 4 children: son Brian Miles and his wife Deanna of Newport, ME, son Jason Miles and his wife Amanda of Sangerville, ME, daughter Kendra (Miles) Hovencamp and her husband Paul of Canaan, ME, and son George Miles and his wife Rachel of Abbot, ME; 7 much loved grandchildren: Logan, Lucas, Caleb, Saia Mae, Emma, Ethan, Aydan; and many special nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and close friends.

He was predeceased by his loving father, Kenneth Miles, in January of 2000.

The family would like to extend its sincere appreciation to all of the staff at Central Maine Medical Center for their professionalism and heart-felt care during “Bear’s” last journey. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Stephen Anderson, Dr. Dick A. Versendaal, and Gail Randall for all their warmth, encouragement, and self-less care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to benefit the Oncology Department at Central Maine Medical Center c/o The Development Office, 300 Main Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240.

"Bear" was also active in local government having served on the following boards.

08/10/06 Board of Appeals

09/08/08 Budget Advisory Board Dist 2 (appointed until Nov Election 08)

12/02/08 Budget Advisory Board Dist 2 (for a three year term) Resigned 1/21/09

As a founding member of the Lisbon Concerned Citizens we will miss his valuable insight and support. God Bless You Bear.