LISBON FALLS – Steven “Bear” Miles, 61, passed away Monday, March 9, 2009, after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born Dec. 13, 1947, in Dover-Foxcroft, the second of five very beloved children born to Kenneth Miles and Winifred (Moulton) Miles. Steven attended Piscataquis Community High School, Guilford, and graduated in 1967. Shortly after graduating from high school, Steven joined the U.S. Army and served three tours of duty in Vietnam as part of the 101st Airborne Rangers. During his service in Vietnam, Steven was a highly decorated soldier, earning numerous prestigious medals for bravery and valor, as well as campaign awards and citations. Like many soldiers who had experienced combat, he rarely shared those experiences with even his family and closest friends. Nicknamed “Bear” for his large hands, burly six-foot-four-inch frame and penchant for hunting, Steven joined the 76th Training Group in the Army Reserves and became a senior instructor. He conducted training classes at West Point, Tacoma, Wash., OCS, and numerous other military posts throughout the U.S. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 158. Upon returning home from Vietnam, Steven worked at Guilford Industries for many years in a variety of positions and supervisory roles. Additionally, he worked for Piscataquis Sheriff’s Department and Guilford Volunteer Fire Department. For the last 20 years, Steven worked at Bath Iron Works in the carpenter and maintenance shop, earning various certifications in welding, fabrication and crane operation. He also held the post of shop steward for Local S6 Union for a number of years. In his spare time, “Bear” enjoyed a wide variety of recreational activities embracing almost any outdoor sporting event. He thoroughly enjoyed long motorcycle rides with his wife, Barbara, and trail riding on his four-wheeler. Some of his favorite pursuits were canoeing, bird hunting, fishing, ice fishing and sharing deer hunts with his cherished Uncle Roger and many close friends. Rarely did Steve and his friends come home empty-handed from a hunt, but if they did, it only meant that the stories of the “one that got away” and the jokes at the evening card game would get more colorful. Telling jokes was a trademark of “Bear.” He enjoyed telling tall tales for a laugh and tried to leave those he met with a smile and a warm place in their heart for having met him. This characteristic would hold true even as he undertook his battle with cancer. Through long hours of doctor’s exams, CAT scans, treatments and therapies, Steve continued to pull pranks and tell jokes even up to his final hours of life. Steven is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara Miles of Lisbon Falls; his loving mother, Winifred Miles of Guilford; brother, Dennis Miles and his wife, Shirley, of Sioux Falls, S.D.; sister, Kenene Wintle of Manchester, N.H.; brother, Jerris Miles and his wife, Glenda, of Yankton, S.D.; brother, Tallus Miles and his wife, Anita, of Lewiston; four children: son, Brian Miles and his wife, Deanna, of Newport; son, Jason Miles and his wife, Amanda, of Sangerville; daughter, Kendra (Miles) Hovencamp and her husband, Paul, of Canaan; and son, George Miles and his wife, Rachel, of Abbot; seven much loved grandchildren, Logan, Lucas, Caleb, Saia Mae, Emma, Aydan and Ethan; many special nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and close friends. He was predeceased by his loving father, Kenneth Miles in January 2000. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all the staff at Central Maine Medical Center for their professionalism and heartfelt care during “Bear’s” last journey. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Stephen Anderson, Dr. Dick A. Versendaal and Gail Randall for all their warmth, encouragement and selfless care. Visitation will be noon-1 p.m. Sunday at The Fortin Group, Auburn, with a funeral service at 1 p.m. A potluck gathering in Bear’s honor will be immediately after at VFW Capt. Frank W. Hulett Post No. 588, Minot Avenue, Auburn. Those wishing may make donations in Bear’s honor to the Oncology Department, care of the Development Office, Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main St., Lewiston, ME 04240. Family and friends are invited to visit to pay tribute to Steven’s life at www.mem.com. A service of The Fortin Group, Funeral Home, Cremation & Mon-ument Services, 217 Turner St., Auburn. www.thefortingroup.com
STEVEN CRAIG ‘BEAR’ MILES
