LINWOOD E. PALMER JR.

NOBLEBORO and DOVER-FOXCROFT – Honorable Linwood E. Palmer Jr. passed away July 24, 2008, surrounded by his loving family and caregivers, at Mayo Memorial Hospital, Dover-Foxcroft. He was born Nov. 22, 1921, in Nobleboro, the son of Linwood E. Palmer and Harriette Mace Palmer. Linwood graduated from Lincoln Academy, Class of 1938 and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Colby College, Class of 1942. He subsequently attended Andover-Newton Theological School and while there, served as youth director of First Baptist Church of Boston and thereafter served as pastor of both First Baptist Church of Damariscotta and First Baptist Church of Nobleboro. He entered the U.S. Army in 1944 during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1945. He had a long and successful business career, entering the specialized steel manufacturing industry in the 1952, as a sales manager for Ward Steel Co., Cambridge, Mass., and soon became vice president and general manager of that company and its successor, Peter A. Frasse & Co., Inc., headquartered in New York, with several manufacturing facilities under his management in the eastern U.S. During his tenure in the steel industry he maintained a close connection with his hometown, purchasing real estate for development and starting a well-known mid-coast Christmas tree farm known as Holiday Acres, on West Neck Road, Nobleboro. Upon his retirement from the steel business, he returned to Holiday Acres, Nobleboro, to operate his development business and Christmas tree farm. He was a well-respected Maine political figure, whose career spanned four decades. He was first elected to Maine House of Representatives in 1947, serving in the 93 and 94 legislatures. At age 24, he was the youngest member of the 93rd, and at age 26, served as assistant majority floor leader in the 94. In 1950, he was elected to the state senate, serving in the 95 legislature and played a significant role, working closely with then Gov. Frederick G. Payne, in upgrading the state’s highways at that time. After being out of public office during the 1960s, he was again elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 1972, serving in the 104, 105 and 106 legislatures, and serving as a very popular House Minority Leader from 1974 to 1978. In 1978, he handily won the republican nomination for governor of Maine, but lost the general election in a three-way race. In 1980, he was selected as a delegate to the Republican National Convention and in 1984 chaired the Reagan-Bush re-election campaign in Maine. He was again a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1988. He was appointed by President George H. W. Bush to serve on the president’s council on Rural America. He also was appointed to the Maine Board of Environmental Protection. During the 1980-1990s, he was employed as a consultant specializing in government affairs at both the state and federal levels for the Bangor based law firm of Eaton and Peabody, serving the firms clients in numerous industrial sectors. He was very active in civic affairs, serving many years as a trustee of his alma mater, Lincoln Academy, Newcastle. He was also a long time trustee of Kieve-Wavus Affective Education, Nobleboro, which operates a well-known boys/girls camp on Damariscotta Lake. He was for many years a deacon and moderator of First Baptist Church of Nobleboro, which stands next door to his childhood family home. Linwood served as trustee of First Federal Savings Bank, Bath, for several years. He played a key role in refurbishing the governor’s mansion, known as Blaine House, an extensive project that was done without using public funds. Throughout his long career, Linwood mentored many people. He also performed hundreds of marriage ceremonies and funerals for friends. He is survived by a son, Linwood E. Palmer III and his companion, Norma, of Nobleboro, and his daughter, Kendra Palmer of South Portland; a daughter, Cartha P. Smith and her husband, State Sen. Douglas M. Smith, of Dover-Foxcroft, and their two adult children, Deron P. Smith of Bangor and Amy R. Smith of Hermon; a daughter, Beth P. Smith and her husband, Dennis R. Smith, of Sangerville and their children, Erin and her husband, Garrett Smith, and their daughter, Ella – Linwood’s special great-granddaughter, Benjamin N. Smith of Bangor and Kaitlin P. Smith of Sangerville; two sisters-in-law, Alice Scott and Elizabeth Palmer; numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his faithful and loving caregivers, Kelly Morin, Angel Stevens, Cathy Campbell, Terry Taylor, Cheryl Parkman, Julie Moonlight, Tanya Robinson, Sara Campbell and Carol Wing. He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Zilpha G. “Bunny” Palmer, April 21 of this year; his parents; brothers, Robert and Paul; and a sister, Carolyn. Lin was a friend and inspiration to many. He had such a big heart and always gave unconditionally. He blessed us with his love for the Lord and all his creation. His strength, integrity and sense of humor will certainly live on in all that knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed by all. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul. A service to honor Linwood will be conducted 2 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at First Baptist Church of Nobleboro with Pastors Robert Wyand and James Colley officiating. After the service, the family will receive friends at the Learning Center at Camp Kieve, Nobleboro. Linwood will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife at Dunbar Cemetery, Nobleboro. Gifts in memory of the Honorable Linwood E. Palmer Jr. may be made to First Baptist Church of Nobleboro, care of Adney Peck, 85 Winslow Hill Road, Nobleboro, ME 04555. Arrangements are entrusted to Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.