AUGUSTA – John H. Miles, 78, formerly of Kents Hill, died Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Augusta, after a long and courageous battle with Lewy body disease, which has symptoms similar to Parkinson’s and Alzhiemer’s. He was born Dec. 30, 1930, in Lewiston, the son of Ralph and Irene (Poulin) Miles. He grew up in Auburn, graduating from Edward Little High School, Class of 1949. He married his high school sweetheart, Lena Asselyn in 1950. John served two years honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, 1952-1953. John was employed as district manager for Suburban Propane, Augusta, for 27 years and held similar positions with the company in Presque Isle, Long Island, N.Y., Rochester, N.H., and Portland. Prior to this he ran a propane dealership with his wife, Lena, in Rangeley. While living in Presque Isle, John was active in community affairs as president of the chamber of commerce. He was also active in city and state politics, nearly winning a bid for the Democratic House of Representatives in 1972. He enjoyed the family camp on the Aroostook River, and the fishing and hunting that this area offered. After moving to Augusta he joined Capital City Rifle and Pistol Club and competed locally and nationally in the world of competitive shooting. He fell in love with sailing, especially Penobscot Bay, and thoroughly enjoyed his time on the water with his wife, Lena, his children and many friends; and was a member of Rockland Yacht Club. John was a communicant of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Winthrop. He earned a fourth degree with Knights of Columbus Father McGowan Council No. 7655. He was predeceased by his parents, Irene and Ralph Miles of Auburn. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Lena Asselyn Miles; his son, John H. Miles II; daughter, Mary Ellen Miles and her husband, Roy; and grandchildren, Hannah Ruth and Elijah Roy. John was especially proud of his grandchildren’s achievements in academics and music. He is also survived by his brother, retired Col. Richard J. Miles and his wife, Nancy; along with several nieces and nephews. John’s family thanks the Maine Veterans’ Home for special care given to him during the past four years. They also express their gratitude to Health Reach Hospice. There will be no public visiting hours. A memorial Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Winthrop. A reception will be held in the parish hall immediately after the service. John will be buried at the new Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Maine Veterans’ Home, 310 Cony Road, Augusta, ME 04330. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.
JOHN H. MILES
