ORRINGTON and QUINCY, Mass. – Edward G. Ames, 74, husband of Joan E. Ames, passed away Nov. 16, 2006, at his home. He was born in Quincy, Mass., the son of the late Quincy police officer, Albert J. Ames and Eleanor H. (Murray) Ames of Quincy, Mass. Ed was raised in the North Quincy, Mass., area and was a 1951 graduate of North Quincy High School. He worked two and one half years as an assembly line expediter for S.H. Couch Co., while a member of the Army National Guard. Ed then served a tour in the U.S. Army and later transferred to the U.S. Air Force, from which he retired in 1975. He devoted 26 years to the military and served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Ed prayed daily for comrades listed prisoners of war/missing in action. He was most proud of having been a member of the original U-2 “Spyplane” squadron and serving two stints as primary navigation technician on the X-15 Rocket Ship Program. He was responsible for calibrating the systems that insured the rocket ship was launched and returned to destination as planned. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for his performance in both areas. He received a third for his performance as an avionics electronics superintendant in Saigon, Vietnam, from 1971 to 1972. Ed was athletically inclined and played basketball, football, baseball and fast-pitch softball while in the military. He enjoyed fast-pitch softball the most. In the late ’50s and early ’60s he played in the Fast-Pitch Softball World Series four times in four different positions. He was primarily a pitcher and first baseman, who hit with power and for a high average. He also enjoyed kingpin bowling and rolled many a 600 series. He enjoyed hunting in his younger years, but was an avid fisherman throughout his life. Ed was a member of the Tri-County Bass Club until incapacitated with radical single cell cancer. He loved planting his garden each spring so he could get a “decent” tomato. He dearly loved toasted bacon and tomato sandwiches with mayo. He also loved small children, kittens and puppies and said, “You couldn’t trust a man who didn’t.” After retirement, Ed worked eight years as a clothing outfitter at local clothing stores, five years as a security supervisor at St. Regis Paper Mill, Bucksport and seven years as a delivery driver for Miller Drug, Bangor. He was a familiar figure at local auctions and flea markets. Ed collected many antiques, but was partial to clocks, motion lamps, watches and old cigarette lighters, of which he amassed a collection of more than 3,500. He was a member of the Bangor Elks Lodge No. 244 and a lifetime member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Disabled Veterans’ of America and the Veterans’ of Foreign Wars. He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Verona in 1988; a brother, Donald in 2000; and a son, Gary in 2005. He is survived by his wife, Joan of Orrington; two sons, Brian and his wife, Bonnie Ames, of Belle Chasse, La., Alan Ames of Fla.; a daughter, Kathleen of Bangor; grandchildren, Sarah, Simon, Shane and Mac; a daughter-in-law, Vera (DeSchaine) Ames of Bangor; stepdaughter, Joan “J.C.” Bes-sey and her son, Joey Gilbride, of Bangor; sisters, Eleanor Gavaza, Alberta Johnston, Rosemary Horky and her husband, Bob, and Michele Vintzileos, all of Massachusetts; a goddaughter, Shane Puiia of Glenburn; and a special niece, Denise Nishnick of Carver, Mass.; many nieces and nephews. Ed will be sadly missed by James N. Martin of Bangor, who was like a brother, Charles and Susan Patterson of Orrington, who were like family; his little dog, Suzi; also the breakfast crowd at Judy’s and Denny’s. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, with the Very Rev. Richard McLAughlin, pastor of St. John’s Catholic Church, officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to call 10 a.m. Tuesday until time of service. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Brookings-Smith, Family Center, 163 Center St., Bangor, after the service. Graveside services, with military honors, will be held after the reception at Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery, Bangor. Gifts in his memory may be sent to Hospice of Eastern Maine, 885 Union St., Suite 220, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com
EDWARD G. AMES RETIRED MASTER SGT. U.S. AIR FORCE
