PRESQUE ISLE – Myron S. Gartley, 90, died Jan. 5, 2009, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born April 19, 1918, on the family farm on the Houlton Road, to George and Alice (Hawes) Gartley. Myron graduated from Presque Isle High School and went on to receive a degree in agronomy from the University of Maine in 1940. He was in ROTC during college and when World War II erupted, he joined the service as a first lieutenant and became a member of an ordinance unit assigned to General Patten’s Third Army Division in Europe. He returned home from the war, met Polly Gillen in 1945 and they were married in 1947. They ran the family farm for 31 years and raised two daughters, Sue and Sylvia; and one son, George. Myron joined Boy Scout Troop No. 171 at the age of 12, beginning a life long dedication to the Boy Scouts of America. As an adult, he served on the regional council and as assistant Scoutmaster of Troop No. 171. His contributions earned him the presentation of the Silver Beaver Award, one of Scouting’s highest achievements. Myron was an active member of Grant Memorial United Methodist Church and had served as Sunday school teacher, president of the men’s club, assistant lay leader, trustee and counselor of the Youth Fellowship. Myron and Polly volunteered as chaperones for many Presque Isle High School functions. Transporting props for the Shipmate Players and taking trips to the coast with the biology classes were two of his favorites. Upon retirement from farming, Myron volunteered countless hours with many local service organizations including The Aroostook Medical Center, Meals on Wheels, Presque Isle Nursing Home and Aroostook Area Agency on Aging. He also was always there to lend a hand or offer a ride to anyone in need. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years in October. He is survived by Sue and her partner, Jeff Carter, Sylvia and Steve Smith, George and Marcia Gartley, Andrea and Hal Snow; grandchildren, Lao, Aliss MacGougan and her husband, Robb, Mary and Hannah, Josh and Bente Snow, Darcy and John Meo; and three great-granddaughters, Sariah, Emma and Anna. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service celebrating the lives of Myron and Polly will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Grant Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Williams officiating. A spring interment will be at Fairmount Cemetery, Presque Isle. Those who wish may make donations in his memory to Grant Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 992, Presque Isle, ME 04769. Arrangements in the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, Presque Isle. Condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.
MYRON STEWART GARTLEY
