PRESQUE ISLE and ASHLAND – J. Arthur Collier, 93, died Friday, April 30, 2010, at his residence in Presque Isle. He was born April 13, 1917, in Ashland, the only son of Joseph and Gladys (Gardner) Collier. Art was a hard worker from an early age. He had an abundance of energy and spirit, which he applied to every area of his life. Art and his wife, Bertha, established and operated Art’s Appliance Co., Ashland, beginning in 1945. Art had a vision for his community. He initiated community projects with others, such as Maine Quebec Highway Caravan, Lumberjack Roundup and Ashland Logging Museum. He served on the boards of directors of Ashland Trust Bank, Washburn Trust Bank and Ashland Starch Factory. He was a member of Odd Fellows, Toast Masters, Ashland Chamber of Commerce, Fish and Game Club and Rotary Club, where he was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International Award. Starting in 1965, Art and Bertha wintered in Florida for 30 years, returning to Maine to summer at his camp at Webster Brook. Art loved to go to camp, not to rest, but to work and have fun. He had the gift of rhythm and elegance when it came to dancing. He especially loved square and round dancing. He was a gifted singer and shared the songs he loved to the delight of all. Art was a proud native son of Aroostook County, who will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Bertha M. (Page) Collier; three children, Patricia Collier Craig, James Page Collier and Robert Burns Collier, all of Ashland; five grandchildren, Kelley, Ted, Faye, Kris and Katie; 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Bernice Merriman of Mars Hill and Victoria Bridges of Gorham; his devoted caregiver, Debbie “Becky” Bird; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Joseph; an infant daughter, Judy; six sisters, Beryl, Chrystal, Kate, Irene, Mary and Winnie; a son-in-law, Al Craig; and a daughter-in-law, JoAnn Collier. Relatives and friends may call 11 a.m. until the time of service noon Monday, May 3, at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle, with the Rev. Robert Smith officiating. A luncheon will be held after the service in the gathering area of the funeral home. Interment will be at Ashland Municipal Cemetery. Those who wish may donate in his memory to Ashland Advent Church, P.O. Box 169, Ashland, ME 04732 or the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.
J. ARTHUR COLLIER
