WALTHAM – Chief Machinery Technician Burleigh A. Chandler, 70, died peacefully Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, in Auburn, after a short battle with cancer. Burleigh was born Nov. 25, 1938, in Jonesport, the only son and third child of Alice E. and George M. Chandler. He graduated from Jonesport High School in 1960 and shortly after joined the U.S. Coast Guard. During his 20-year career he served upon the following units, the CGC Casco out of Boston, Station Beals Island, Light Station Little River, Light Station Petit Manan, Light Station Bear Island; the CGC Chase out of Boston; the CGC Confidence out of Kodiak, Alaska, Station Kodiak, Loran Station Saint Paul Alaska, Light Station Nantucket out of Boston, Station Scituate in Massachusetts; and his final duty station the CGC White Lupine out of Rockland. While stationed on the CGC Chase, he served a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded numerous awards and medals including the Coast Guard Good Conduct Ribbon with Silver Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Permanent Cuttersman insignia and Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation. He was also a lifetime member of VFW. Burleigh married his high school sweetheart, Donalene, in June 1962. They had three children, Brenda Chandler of Auburn, Mark Chandler of Dedham and Burleigh Chandler of Thornville, Ohio. As a family, they lived at many Coast Guard duty stations in Maine, Alaska and Massachusetts, providing the family an adventurous and unique life experience. Donalene and Burleigh’s travel continued after his retirement from the Coast Guard in 1980, as they moved to various places in Maine, Florida and finally “settling down” in Waltham, where they spent the last eight years. Their 46-year marriage was an example for all of us to aspire to; Burleigh had special songs for his wife, Donalene, poems for her and most of all complete and devoted love for her. They were an inseparable couple. Burleigh is survived by four sisters, two older sisters, Elna Davis of Jonesport and Etta Drisko of Beals, and two younger sisters, Marlene Campbell of Zephyrhills, Fla., and Georgia James of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Burleigh is special to many people and is lovingly and fondly remembered by his four sisters, three sisters-in-law, five brothers-in-law, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He will be missed dearly by his children, Brenda and husband, Tony Lyons, Mark and special friend, Cathy Conroy Smith, and Burleigh and wife, Holly Chandler; 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Grampie entertained them with kindness, funny sayings and stories, and silly acts. His grandchildren are Ginnie Alicia Faulkingham, Wade Gardner Faulkingham Jr., Sarah Dawn Faulkingham, Corey Mark Chandler, Kyle Anthony Chandler, Codey Lee Chandler, Kirk Randy Dean Chandler, Bayden Lee Chandler and Haily Christine Chandler; stepgrandchildren, Aaron Peter Lyons, Ruth Elizabeth Lyons and Meghann Louisa (Lyons) Derosier; and greatgrandchild, Abigail Elizabeth Derosier. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, at United Pentecostal Church, Indian River Road, Jonesport, officiated by Matthew Beal. A reception will be after the service at United Pentecostal Church. A graveside service is planned for Memorial weekend 2009. Those wishing to make a donation may do so to AHCH Hospice House, 236 Stetson Road, Auburn, ME 04210.
BURLEIGH A. CHANDLER
