VERNON R. CRAIG

MASARDIS – Vernon R. Craig, 81, died peacefully Dec. 8, 2007, sur-rounded by his loving family at home after a courageous struggle with multiple myeloma. He was born Jan. 3, 1926, in Masardis, the son of Harvey and Fannie (Rockwell) Craig. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Ashland High School. Vernon was U.S. Army and Air Force veteran of World War II, serving in the European Theatre. He was a life member of the VFW, LeBlanc-Junkins Post No. 9699, Ashland, holding many offices including post commander. He was a member of the Odd Fellows of Ashland, once holding the office of noble grand. He served as selectman for the town of Masardis and was a volunteer on the Masardis Fire Department and on the Transfer Station Committee. Vernon did carpentry all of his life. You could often find him puttering in the garage, making one thing or another. He was continually working on wood projects to donate to worthwhile causes. He was employed by Art’s Appliance and Furniture of Ashland, as their service and repairman for 41 years. Known as the “fix-it man,” if it needed fixing Vernon was the man to call. After retiring from Art’s Appliance, he continued to work as a consultant and part-time repairman as he was needed. He also worked with family as a carpenter right up until his 80th birthday. Vernon enjoyed hunting, fishing and working in his garden. He especially enjoyed the hunting seasons spent at 10-6 camp with his brothers and other family. He also loved going to camp on Squa Pan Lake. Many wonderful memories were made there, and even after he sold the camp, more memories were made with the new owner, Lance Lockwood, who became like another son to him and his wife. Vernon is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Earnestine (MacDonald) Craig of Masardis; two children, Charles Craig and his wife, Joyce, of Delhi, N.Y., and Jane Beaulieu and her husband, Darrell, of Bucksport; one sister, Dorothy Robinson of Ashland; four grandchildren, Stacey Craig and wife, Jan, of Taunton, Mass., Misty Robinson and her husband, Ken, of Masardis, Danielle Beaulieu and her fianc?, Marshall Dow, of Bucksport, and Patricia Newcomb and her husband, Chris, of Bucksport; one honorary grandson, Kirk Smith and his wife, Kasey, of Utah; four very special great-granddaughters, Courtney Fish, Ashley and Brooke Robinson, and Brianna Dow; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by six brothers, Gerald, Cleo, Roger, Harvey, Lyman and Clyde; and by a special nephew, Allen Craig. The family expresses their heartfelt appreciation to Pastor Donald Morton Jr. and his wife, Cindy, and the Masardis Pentecostal Church family for their support and many prayers. Special thanks as well go to CancerCare of Maine, especially Dr. Philip Brooks and Kay Hunter; and to the Hospice of Aroostook team, Karen, Ruth, Pastor McLaughlin and especially to Sheila Fleming. Relatives and friends may call 7-9 p.m. Monday and 11 a.m. Tuesday until time of service at Advent Christian Church of Ashland. A service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday at Advent Christian Church. Spring interment will be at Masardis Municipal Cemetery. Those who wish may contribute in his memory to Hospice of Aroostook, P.O. Box 688, Caribou, ME 04736. Arrangements are a service of Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St., Ashland. To leave online condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.