ASHLAND – Artemus W. Coffin, 88, died unexpectedly Oct. 15, 2005, at a Presque Isle hospital. He was born Aug. 16, 1917, in Ashland, the son of Luther and Lavonia (Bates) Coffin. He was educated in local schools and was a graduate of Ashland High School. Art was a 62-year member of the Masonic Pioneer Lodge No. 72 AF & AM of Ashland, a member of the Mountain Lodge No. 44, Independent Order of Odd Fellows for 47 years; a past president and 50-year member of the Ashland Rotary Club and a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. He was a charter member of the Ashland Snowmobile Club, a former member and chairman of the Ashland Town Council and a member of various town committees over the years. Art was a hard working and successful farmer who managed his family farm for many years. After he retired from farming he worked as a funeral attendant for the Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home in Ashland for many years. He is survived by his two sons, Artemus O. Coffin and his wife, Rosemary, of Ashland and David Coffin of Ashland; several nieces and nephews and their children, Alex and Audrey Brown-Christie, Harold and Peggy Brown, Richard Brown, Howard and Myrtle Brown, Keith and Venita Burden, Wendall and Kathy Burden, George and Beth Crawford, Gerald and Laurette Crawford, Robert Crawford, Billy and Vickie Crawford, Laura Lollis, and Irma Corns. Art was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Ella (Crawford) Coffin who died in 2004; and by twin infant daughters and two infant granddaughters. Relatives and friends may call 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and from noon until time of service on Wednesday at the Union Congregational Church, Ashland. Services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, at the church with Pastor Patricia Jones officiating. A Masonic Rite will follow the funeral service. Following the service a reception will be provided by the Tillikum Chapter No 99, Order of the Eastern Star, in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in his memory to the Pioneer Lodge AF & AM, in care of David Basley, 33 Station Hill, Ashland, ME 04732. A service of Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St., Ashland.