FRED PALMER JR.

WELLS – Fred William Palmer Jr., 80, of Alpine, Calif., passed away July 2, 2007. He was born May 24, 1927, in Braintree, Mass., to Fred W. Sr. and Diana Lavallee Palmer. Mr. Palmer was educated in the Auburn public school system. Upon graduation from Edward Little High School in June 1945, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy and served in the Philippines. Returning back to the U.S., he married Glenys Smith of Lewiston in June 1947. Obtaining the rank of seaman first class, he received an honorable discharge in November 1949. Fred then worked with his father-in-law, Dwight B. H. Smith, in an oil burner service until November 1952, and then began employment with Western Union. Starting as a lineman, advancing to a field technician and finally an electronics technician. Fred retired from Western Union, Dec. 2, 1982. Extremely active in the Boy Scouts of America starting in June 1939, he advanced to Eagle Scout prior to enlisting in the service. Fred returned to the Boy Scouts in Bangor in 1955, as Cub Master for Pack 8 and the Scoutmaster of Troop 7, until his employment resulted in a move to Wells in 1960. In 1961, he once again took up scouting, becoming the Scoutmaster for Wells Troop 300 until 1964. He then took over as the Scoutmaster for Troop 353, Moody, finally relinquishing that position in 1975. He continued on as a committee chairman until 1982. Additionally, he served as Cub Master, 1965-1972, for Wells Pack 356. Throughout the years he received many awards and letters of appreciation. The ones he took the most pride in, includes Scout’s Training Award, Scoutmaster’s Key, 1956; Wood Badge, 3 Bead Man 1967; and the Silver Beaver Award for Leadership, 1967. His troops were noted for their outdoor activities, leading York District for outdoor experience for six years. Mr. Palmer also served York District as a member at large, then as camping commissioner and also served on Pine Tree Council as a York County representative for four years. Fred was also very much involved with the Elmbrook Grange, Wells, becoming a junior grange councilor for three years, and obtained the honor of 6th Degree. In 1982, he and his wife purchased a motor home and toured the U.S. Having visited 46 of the lower 48 states, Fred and Glenys settled in Alpine, Calif. As he had said, “Because the snow shovels so easy here,” which was true, since in the last 25 years the accumulation totaled approximately nine inches. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him, including his wife of 60 years, Glenys Palmer of Alpine, Calif.; three sons and their spouses, Gregory of Alpine, Calif., Mike and Helen of Arundel, and Stephen and Donna of Alfred; three daughters and their spouses, Marilyn and David Taylor of Milton, Fla., Kathy Levesque of Wells, and Lori and Kenny Huff of Lyman; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. In his words, “I lived a long and productive life. I’m a proud father who met many fine people, most whom became friends.” Fred will always be remembered for his story telling, sense of humor, love of life, sense of direction and strong family connection.