EASTON – David K. Lutes, 73, died Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007, of natural causes at a Bangor hospital. He was born April 12, 1933, to Clifford and Margretta Lutes of Lincoln. He grew up and lived most of his life in Maine, including Lincoln, Orono, Allagash and Easton. He attended Mattanawcook Academy and the University of Maine – Orono. He joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served on the USS Grampus during the Korean War. During his life he owned several companies including Northern Controls Inc. and Sentronics Inc., which focused on research, development and installation of various electronic systems. He took great pride in his work as a worker’s compensation advocate, where he fought for workers who were injured on the job. He championed the cause of Allagash woods workers during the North Maine Woods conflict in 1975. An avid bridge and chess player, he also enjoyed piloting planes, skiing, snowmobiling, trips to Labrador and Alaska, cooking, canoeing, camping, hunting, fishing and making fun of politicians. He cherished many visits and lengthy debates with local religious leaders, only to see them depart in a flurry of frustration. Instrumental in helping establish The Friends of the Allagash, he was also the northern regional director for the Maine Snowmobile Association, an inspector for the trails committee, a member of several snowmobile clubs and a member of the Horeb Masonic Lodge No. 93. He was a justice of the peace, notary public, master guide, and a “tough old fart,” as he would say. He helped coordinate the Labrador 400 and initiated the Can-Am 250 sled dog races, and was involved in countless environmental projects and other good causes. He is survived by his wife, Louisa Lutes; son, Graydon Lutes; daughter, Louisa Lutes; daughter, Kathy and husband, Robert Bednarz; daughter, Shirley Lavoie; son, Kenneth Farrington; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild; brother, Roy and wife, Dorothy Lutes; sister, Marilaide and husband, Sam Storms; as well as, many friends he made throughout life. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 3647, Portland, ME 04104-3647, in appreciation of assistance provided during the Allagash flood of 1991. Per his wishes, there will not be a memorial service.
DAVID K. LUTES
