Gordon M, Milliken

WEST BALDWIN — Gordon M. Milliken, 89, lifelong resident of West Baldwin, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 28, 2013 at the Springbrook Center in Westbrook.

He was born in West Baldwin on April 14, 1924, the only child of Murray and Lucile (Locke) Milliken. He attended local schools and graduated from Fryeburg Academy in 1942. Gordon played on the school’s only undefeated football team, and was an outstanding student, who graduated with honors in mathematics and industrial arts. These skills easily transferred to a career in woodworking.

During his working years, he delivered lumber for John Kelly, was a maintenance foreman and cabinetmaker for L.C. Andrews, built houses for Plummer’s, and was a meticulous saw filer for Lovell Lumber. After his retirement, he worked for Limington Lumber for a time. He was a member of the Lumberman’s Association.

Gordon was a humble man who was committed to making a difference through his unselfish service to his community and church. He was a founding member of the West Baldwin Volunteer Fire Company, which he loved deeply and served for 61 years, 19 of those years as chief, treasurer for a time and served as the town fire warden for many years. Gordon was a member of the Sacopee Rescue for 11 years and the SAD #55 board of directors for 24 years. He was a member of the West Baldwin Methodist Church where he served as a trustee, and his carpentry skills were put to good use building kitchen cabinetry for the fellowship hall. He had served as a volunteer on the town cemetery association, the town planning board, a member of the incorporation team of the old Bridgton Hospital, member of the Baldwin Historical Society, played on the fireman’s bowling team, and was a lifetime member of West Oxford Agricultural Society. He loved going to Fryeburg Fair.

His love for woodworking is evident in his home and has been enjoyed by many friends and neighbors. Among the many things that Gordon built was a wooden replica of the first fire truck owned by the West Baldwin Volunteer Fire Company that was used in the Home Extension exhibit for fire safety at the Fryeburg Fair. Gordon ran the movie projector for Roland Stanley at the Kezar Falls movie theatre, who in turn allowed Gordon and Shirley to use his camp at Stanley Pond. Since there was no road leading to the camp on the island, Gordon built a wooden boat to get there.

In 1945, he married his sweetheart, Shirley Estes Milliken, who he has shared a devoted life with for what would have become 68 years on Dec. 29. His love for his family and community, his smile and the twinkle in his eyes were infectious.

He was predeceased in April by his son, Peter.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his daughter, Lynn Dodd of West Baldwin; three grandsons, a granddaughter and a great-grandson.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 5, at the West Baldwin United Methodist Church. Visiting hour will be from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m. Refreshments to follow the service. Arrangements by Watson, Neal & York Funeral Home. Through it all, always trust God, for His love is forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: West Baldwin United Methodist Church, 26 Douglass Hill Road, West Baldwin, ME 04091 or the West Baldwin Vol. Fire Company, in care of Jeff Sanborn, 51 Douglass Hill Road, West Baldwin, ME 04091.