MILLINOCKET – David W. Burleigh Sr., 64, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2008, surrounded by his family, at a Millinocket hospital. He was born Feb. 13, 1944, in Portland, a son of Wallace L. and Marie (Dow) Burleigh Sr. David was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Germany during the Vietnam War. He worked at Great Northern Paper Co., Millinocket, as an electrician for 32 years, retiring in 1996. David greatly enjoyed woodworking and making things with his hands. His garage is full of toys, model wood trucks and various items he created. Dave also drew great satisfaction from going riding in his truck on the Huber Road. He was a member of David Henry Post No. 80 of the American Legion, Millinocket. David is survived by his devoted and loving partner, Jeanie Lavoie of Millinocket; a daughter, Gina Ryder and her husband, Russ, of Lincoln; a son, David W. Burleigh Jr. and his girlfriend, Janet Travis, of Orono; two stepchildren, Leeann Vance and her husband, Jeff, and Joe Lavoie and his loving partner, Patti Jacobs, all of Millinocket; nine grandchildren, Josh Burleigh and his girlfriend, Samantha Taylor, Tyler Ryder, Olivia and Taylor Burleigh, Joey and Chris Jacobs, Brandon Parady, Katie and Alyssa Vance; four brothers, Paul Burleigh and his girlfriend Nancy Dias, John Burleigh and his girlfriend, Mary Lou Merritt, all of Medway, Wally Burleigh of Kingman, and Henry Burleigh of Bangor; two sisters, Susan LaPorte and her husband, Kenny, of Medway, and Penny LaPorte and her husband, Gene; extended family members, Frank Friel and his wife, Bernadette, Barbara Friel, Donna Kunkel, and Brenda Alley and her husband, Howard; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will also be missed by his best friend, Levi Pelletier; and his canine friend, Daisy. In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his wife, Jean Ann (Mattall) Burleigh; and a sister, June Marie. Friends are invited to visit with the family 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday at Lamson Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack St., Millinocket, where a rosary service will be offered 7:30 p.m. by St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 112 Maine Ave., Millinocket, with the Rev. Joel Cyr, pastor, presider. Interment with military honors will be held after at Millinocket Cemetery. Gifts in memory of David may be sent to CancerCare of Maine, care of Eastern Maine Charities, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931 or Katahdin Area Support Group, 10 Field St., Millinocket, ME 04462. Messages of condolence may be expressed at www.lamsonfh.com.
DAVID W. BURLEIGH SR.
