CARIBOU – Everett W. Milton, 76, rode the train to heaven March 3, 2010, in Bangor, after a long illness, while listening to the spring opening game of the Red Sox. An avid sports fan and a fanatic Red Sox fan, he seldom missed a game, so it was very fitting that he listened to the opening game of the Red Sox during his final hours. Everett had worked on trains for more than 25 years, 15 as a locomotive engineer. He collected trains as a hobby and during his retirement, often commented how he missed the sound of the train whistle. Just as the ball game ended, and as Everett drew his last few breaths, a train went past the hospital and blew the whistle three times, surprising, as well as comforting his family as well as the medical team. Everett then went gently to his other beloved family in heaven, leaving his earthly family comforted and chuckling, “Dad did it his way.” He was born Dec. 4, 1933, in Caribou, the son of the late Wesley and Emily (Smith) Milton. He was a graduate of Caribou High School, where he was an avid basketball player. He served with the Army National Guard for eight years. He worked for 18 years at the family grocery store, Milton’s Nationwide Variety on Sweden Street. He was then employed as a locomotive engineer at Loring Air Force Base for more than 20 years. In his spare time, he assisted his wife with their pet care business, Home Farm Kennels. Everett was an active member of his community. During the ’50s and ’60s he was active in Caribou Jaycees, holding numerous offices. He was a member of Gray Memorial United Methodist Church for more than 60 years, serving on various committees and groups. Everett was an active member of Caribou Kiwanis Club for more than 20 years and held perfect meeting attendance during that time. He worked on all club activities and was awarded “Most Distinguished Member” several years ago. Many will remember him as the “presiding judge” during Kiwanis Keystone Kops. The roots of his Kiwanis friendship ran deep and Everett valued each and every club member for their dedication to the club and its ideals. He was a member of Aroostook RSVP, serving as board chairman for two years. His valued friendships included a local group of high school friends called the “Old Man’s Club” who would get together for lunch the first Thursday of every month. He will also be greatly missed at the 3 p.m. McDonald coffee hour. Everett married Norma Blackstone in 1964 and after his retirement, the couple moved to Everett’s favorite spot, his cabin on the South Shore of Madawaska Lake, returning to Caribou in November 2009. Everett cherished his family and often spoke to friends and family of his favorite daughter and son. No one could compete with Everett when he was talking about his four beloved grandsons, who brought so much joy and sunshine into his failing heart whenever they would stop by. He was a dedicated pet owner and willingly gave his time to assisting his wife and others in rescuing homeless animals and in the eventual establishment of Halfway Home Pet Rescue, a state licensed rescue service. He was an important link in the volunteer chain of pet lovers who worked to provide free pet food for pet families in need. Surviving, in addition to his wife, Norma of Caribou, are his daughter and son-in-law, Vanessa and Pierre Patenaude of Mapleton; his son and daughter-in-law, Garrick and Sandra Milton of Caribou; four grandchildren, Joseph and Thomas Patenaude, and Matthew and Jacob Milton; two sisters, Ruth Ross and her husband, Emmett, of Caribou, and Samella Haley of Lakeland, Fla.; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Leigh; and a sister, Captola Parker. Friends may visit with the family 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou. Memorial services will be held 1 p.m. Monday, March 8, at Gray Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Thomas Bentum officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mr. Milton may do so through Caribou Kiwanis Scholarship Fund, Gray Memorial Methodist Church Memorial Fund or Halfway Home Pet Rescue, Inc. For an online register, please go to www.mocklerfuneralhome.com.
EVERETT W. MILTON
