LEON S. ATWATER

LEON S. ATWATER God saw you getting tired A cure was not to be He put His arms around you And whispered “come with me” With heavy hearts we watched you, and saw life fade away Although we loved you dearly We could not beg you to stay A thousand times we’ve needed you, many times we’ve cried, our love could not sustain you, never would you have died A weary heart stopped beating Your toil worn hands at rest God broke our hearts to prove He only takes the best. STEUBEN – Leon S. Atwater, 61, passed away Feb. 21, 2006, after a three year battle with multiple mye-loma. Leon was born Jan. 10, 1945, in Columbia Falls, son of the late Forrest B. Atwater Sr. and Arlene M. (Dorr) Atwater and was the son-in-law of Eugene and Helen Smith. Leon lived his whole life in Unionville, with the exception of the two years he proudly served his country. He was a member of the U.S. Army, First Infantry Division, serving in the Vietnam War from February, 1966 through March, 1967. While there, he received several medals, including the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, with two Bronze Service Stars, Expert Rifleman Award and two Army Service Commendation Medals for Meritorious Service in Vietnam. While there, he was exposed to Agent Orange, which was to claim his life 40 years later. A quote from one of his military citations best describes the way Leon lived his life and the trials he faced: “Through his outstanding professional competence and devotion to duty he consistently obtained superior results. Working long and arduous hours, he set an example that inspired his associates to strive for maximum achievement. The loyalty, initiative and will to succeed that he demonstrated at all times, materially contributed to the successful accomplishment of the mission of this command. His performance was in the best traditions of the U.S. Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.” This is the way he faced his illness, with great courage and concern for others. He bravely faced his short future with the greatest concern, not for himself, but for his family and friends. He was not afraid for himself, but how this would affect his family and many, many friends. One week before his passing, he was able to attend a benefit dinner at the Legion Hall. Words can not express how appreciative he was for the opportunity to see so many of his friends one last time. After this dinner, his words to his wife were “and you thought we didn’t have any friends!” He dealt with his illness with courage and a sense of humor, which few can emulate. He worked alongside his father at the sawmill in Unionville. He worked for more than 30 years in the blueberry industry, working for Wyman’s, Maine Wild Blueberry Company and for Cherryfield Foods, Inc. until his retirement due to illness in 2003. Leon was an avid hunter and fisherman. He spent many hours during hunting season hunting with his brothers and friends. They spent many hours at Round Pond Camp hunting, but mostly sitting around the woodstove at camp, reminiscing about bygone hunting expeditions. His great love was fishing, spending many hours with his children and grandchildren on these fishing trips. In later years, he and his wife spent many days on the ponds and lakes, fishing from the boat and ice fishing. He would let his wife catch a big fish, but then he would always catch one just a little bit bigger. He was able to realize his lifelong dream – to fish in Alaska. He was able to get there twice, once with his good friends, Pat Ward and Joey Tibbetts. He returned to Alaska once more to fish the Alaskan waters with his wife, brother, Forrest Jr.; nephew, Forrest III; and friends, Buzz Grant and Kathy Hare. He spent his last hunting trip in Dixmont, red stag hunting, with his brother, Anthony; nephew-in-law, Frankie; and very special friend, Steven Santerre, who was like a son. He also enjoyed country music and spent many hours dancing to the music of the Midnight Rose Band, developing a very strong relationship with the band members. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veteran of Foreign Wars and a 23-year member of the American Legion, Post No. 8 in Cherryfield. He was a quiet man who took great pride in his home and family. He opened his home for many years to foster children, who became part of his extended family. He always put his children and grandchildren first and loved to spend time with them. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 33 years, Rebecca (Smith) Atwater; son, Shawn J. Atwater and his wife, Lisa, of Saco; his daughter, Sheri L. Hutchinson of Bucksport. He was so proud of Sheri and thankful to her for being there and taking care of him in his last days. She looked out for all his needs, day and night, allowing him to remain at home, which was his wish. He is also survived by his foster daughter, Jessica Buzzell and foster son, Donald Buzzell of Florida; granddaughters, Ashley Atkinson, Lindsay Swanson of Bucksport, Alisha and Emily Atwater of Saco; grandsons, Jacob Gray and Caleb Hutchinson of Bucksport; brothers, Forrest Atwater Jr. and wife, Sandra, Anthony Atwater and wife, Ann, Dale Atwater and wife, Brenda; brothers-in-law, Dean Smith and wife, Gloria, Arlo Smith and wife, Bonnie; sister-in-law, Marie Murphy; nieces, Tracey Reynolds and husband, Frankie, Alisa Brooks and husband, Kevin, Angela Holt, Michelle Bagley and husband, Carson, Bonny Haycock, Sandra Black and husband Clint, Deana Norwood and husband, Galen; nephews, Forrest III and his wife, Rene, Anthony “Tony” Atwater, Duane Atwater and his wife, Darcie, Daniel Atwater and his wife, April, DJ Atwater, Eric Murphy and his wife, Debbie, Larry Murphy, Jason Smith and his wife, Tracy, Ryan Smith and his wife, Jininie, Joel Smith, Phillip Smith and his wife, Patti, Michael Wilton and his wife, Gail; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Leon had been blessed with many close friends, Steven Santerre, Donald and Stacie Bradbury, Jerry and Carla McLean, Buzz Grant, Pat Ward, Hermie West, Bub Parritt, Murray Seavey and Bobby and Ivey Ellis. Many thanks to Alisha Santerre for caring for my grandson, Caleb, during this most difficult time. He was predeceased by his father, Forrest Atwater Sr.; an infant son, Troy; foster daughter, Nikita (Engberg) Kelley; niece, Charlene Bagley and her husband, Charles and children, BJ Colwell and Cady Bagley. Visiting hours will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 and funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, at the American Legion Hall, Post No. 8, Cherryfield with the Rev. Lewis Cushman, officiating. Arrangements by Bradgon-Kelly-Campbell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Leon’s memory may be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-0060 or The Shannon McCormack Foundation, Inc., 10 Maplewood Rd., Medfield, MA 02052.