ASHLAND – The passing of LeRoy Raymond Farris, 64, husband of the late Nancy (Gilman) Farris and father of Anita Gail Farris of Bradley, and Raymond Todd Farris (Katie) of Ashland, occurred Dec. 24, 2004, at a Bangor hospital while courageously fighting cancer. He was Born Feb. 27, 1940, in Ashland. He attended and graduated from Ashland schools and married in 1960. LeRoy spent his life as a hard and determined worker. He began his career at Great Northern Paper Company directly upon graduating high school where he worked his way up in responsibility to foreman during his 30-year tenure. Following his employment years, he spent his time assisting others in whatever way and form he could. His knack for taking discarded and broken things to be remade useful once again is well known locally. He was a much loved and respected member of the Ashland community. He was an avid gardener and donated the majority of his harvested crops. LeRoy was an active member of the Union Congregational Church where he served in various capacities during his membership. Another activity that he thoroughly enjoyed was fishing. He waited anxiously throughout each winter for the time when open water fishing season would reopen so that he could pull his camper into the North Maine Woods where he, Nancy, and their dogs would enjoy the springtime in the company of many friends and relatives. LeRoy was an animal over and enjoyed all outdoor activities that allowed him to watch and occasionally hunt deer, moose, birds, etc., in and around his home and surrounding areas. He perhaps is best known however, for riding his three dogs around with him wherever he went. LeRoy was a man with many talents unknown by most. His gentle demeanor welcomed all who were in need and even those who where not. He was man of strong conviction and was committed to his family, community and work. LeRoy is survived by both of his children, and his grandchild, Tristen Farris of Ashland; two stepgrandchildren, Courtney Jimmo and Tyler MacDonald, both of Ashland; his mother, Hazel Lafland of Ashland and his father, Blake Ferris of St. John, N.B., Canada; his brother, Kevin Ferris of Halifax, N.S.; his sister, Ola Poitraw of Caribou; stepbrothers, Larry Lafland (Eileen) of Brewer, Ronald Ferris, Terry Ferris (Jackie), Robert Ferris (Sharon), all of St. John, N.B.; and many aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews along with many in-laws and friends including a special aunt, Loena Sutherland of Ashland. He was predeceased by his wife, Nancy in 2000; his sister, Gloria Lewin; and his step-father, Lawrence Lafland; his father-in-law, Richard Gilman Jr.; sisters-in-law, Doris Edwards and Hazel Chapman; nephews, Richard Gilman III, and Paul Poitraw; as well as nieces, Avis Lewin and Trish White. Resting at Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St., Ashland, visiting hours will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 29. A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 30, at the Union Congregational Church, Sheridan Road, Ashland with Pastor Patricia Ferguson officiating. A committal service will be scheduled in the spring at the Ashland Municipal Cemetery where he will be buried next to his wife. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, and would be appreciated by the family. Memorial Luminas for this annual 24-hour walk event to be held in the spring will be made available during visiting hours.
LEROY R. FARRIS
