LEE B. MOCKLER

BANGOR – Lee B. Mockler, a free spirit from start to finish, died of lung cancer Friday, March 13, 2009, at his home. He was 51. Lee was born Feb. 6, 1958, in Caribou, the youngest of three sons of the late Melbourne and Glennis (Coffin) Mockler. Although his years were shorter than he expected, Lee lived with more gusto than many other people far older than he will ever be. He was raised on a potato farm and was active in 4-H, both at state and federal levels. He earned his solo pilot’s license as a teenager through the Civil Air Patrol. Lee loved nature and wildlife with a passion until his final day. He nurtured fruit trees and built a haven for birds and squirrels even along a noisy, busy street in Bangor. He had too many friends to count – a good man with a beautiful heart and the natural dry wit of an Irishman. Lee traveled to many places, but especially loved vacationing with friends in California and Hawaii. Even people who only briefly met Lee could sense he was a unique and special free spirit. Anyone who knew him personally had no doubt of it. Lee had a love of all things candy, made a big deal about others’ birthdays and was a serious fan of Christmas and other holidays. The ocean drew him like a magnet to the family’s cottage on Bailey Island, Harpswell, where he spent summers as a boy and as much time as possible as a man. He was a devoted son who cared for both of his parents in their final years. He was a proud Mason who was among the youngest Worshipful Masters of St. Andrew’s Lodge, Bangor. Lee, who served briefly in the U.S. Navy, was the unofficial first Troop Greeter at Bangor International Airport when he asked a buddy to help him hand the soldiers “a cold one” after hearing a unit would be passing through Bangor during the Gulf War. Lee often said he wish he had taken a photo of the men as they held the cold cans to their warm, weathered cheeks. He volunteered for many causes over his lifetime, including in the emergency room at Eastern Maine Medical Center. Lee loved to cook and earned a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts in 1983 from the University of Maine, Orono. He sold cars and trucks for 20 years for Bangor dealers, but was hired 10 years ago by Verizon as a customer service representative at the company’s main office in downtown Bangor. He was often rewarded for his excellent work and work ethic. In June 2006, Lee met a classmate, Liz (Page) Chapman, for the first time since they graduated together from Caribou High School in 1976. He waited six months to ask her to dinner, but only another six before marrying her Sept. 2, 2007, on Bailey Island. Lee fought his cancer like a bear and held on as long as he possibly could. In addition to his wife, Lee is survived by his two brothers, Kent Mockler and his wife, Sherri, and Murray Mockler, all of New York City and Harpswell; his Aunt Kay Raymond of Orr’s Island in Harpswell; his Uncle Robert and Aunt Thelma of Caribou; two stepsons, Rodney Chapman and his wife, Lori, and Robert Chapman, all of Augusta; as well as two grandchildren, Ethan and Olivia Chapman, for whom he felt a special love. Lee also is survived by six first cousins, who were nearly as close to him as siblings, and their special families and children. He loved his cousin, Laurie (Burrell) Kelley of Monmouth as a sister. He also is survived by a niece, two nephews, two great-nephews, his extended Page family; and four lifelong friends, whom he loved as brothers, Darrick Baker of San Francisco, Jim Gardner of Bangor, John Godbois of Mendocino, Calif., and Johnny Kelley of Monmouth; as well as longtime friend, Brian Power of Bangor. He dearly loved his co-workers at Verizon, now FairPoint, and spoiled and charmed them as much as they did him. His friends at work were special to him and invariably cheered him up with cards, gifts and food throughout his yearlong fight against cancer. A service of remembrance will be held noon Saturday, March 21, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, with his friend, Pastor Alston Oliver, officiating. Friends may call 11 a.m. until the time of service Saturday. A brief Masonic service will be conducted by the officers and members of St. Andrews Lodge at the beginning of the service. Gifts in Lee’s memory may be sent to Shriners Hospital for Children, care of Anah Shriners, P.O. Box 735, Bangor, ME 04402-0735 or CancerCare of Maine, care of Healthcare Charities, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931, where he received compassionate and careful treatment for many months. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.