BAR HARBOR – John Gilbert Towns of Bar Harbor, formerly of Holbrook, Mass., died Feb. 5, 2005, after an extended illness. He was born May 3, 1923, in Brockton, Mass. Mr. Towns grew up in Holbrook and moved to Washington, D.C. after enlisting in the Navy during World War II. He married Dorothy Kierstead in 1943, returned to Holbrook, and began a distinguished career in the insurance industry, retiring in 1998 after 30 years with the Home Insurance Company. An active community volunteer, Mr. Towns served several terms as President of the Holbrook Rotary Club and was instrumental in developing their international student exchange program. In 1975, he was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for his substantial contributions to the Rotary’s humanitarian and educational programs. Mr. Towns was a member of the Norfolk Union Lodge AF & AM, where he became a 50-year Medal Holder. Additionally, he was a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and the Aleppo Temple of Boston. A lifelong member of Winthrop Congregational Church in Holbrook, Mr. Towns served as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and on the Board of Trustees for many years. He was also a founding member of the Winthrop Club, promoting fellowship and community service among church members. Mr. Towns was active in Alden Kindred of America and the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendents. He served on the Board of Directors for Randolph Savings Bank, and was a member of the Paul Surrette Post of the American Legion. Mr. Towns was also Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 139 in Holbrook. In 1990, he and his wife started the Red House Bed and Breakfast on Great Cranberry Island, Maine, which they operated until 1998. From 1998 until his death, Mr. Towns was a resident at Sonogee Rehabilitation and Living Center in Bar Harbor. He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy (Kierstead) Towns in 2004. Mr. Towns is survived by his daughter, Judith Lim and husband, Chong, of Bar Harbor; granddaughter, Jennifer Nitchman, husband David; great-granddaughter, Bryce of Scarborough; niece, Carol Crittenden, husband, Tom, three children Michael, Matthew, and Melanie, all of Randolph, Mass., niece, Sallie Rood of Rockland, Mass., two children, Neil and Keith of Holbrook, Mass. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005, at the Winthrop Congregational Church in Holbrook, Mass., collation immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Activity Fund for the Sonogee Rehabilitation & Living Center, 131 Eden St., Bar Harbor, ME, 04609. Arrangements by Jordan Fernald, 48 Eden St., Bar Harbor.
JOHN GILBERT TOWNS
