ETNA – Ernest Stephen Eyles Sr., 83, passed away Nov. 24, 2010, at a Bangor health care facility. He was born Jan. 15, 1927, in Fitchburg, Mass., the son of Ernest D. and Catherine (Smith) Eyles. Ernest served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a gunners mate and received the Combat Action Ribbon. He was a life member of the U.S. Naval League Casco Bay Council; life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3381, Old Town; and American Legion Post No. 178, Waterville. After his military service he attended Syracuse University and the University of Maine. He worked in the paper industry for most of his life as a production manager and superintendent, and during his career he worked for Fitchburg Paper, Fitchburg, Mass., Eastern Fine Paper, Brownville Paper, Brownville, N.Y., Diamond International and Lincoln Pulp and Paper. Ernest was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of Sportsman Alliance of Maine, Atlantic Salmon Federation and Eddington Salmon Club. Ernest is survived by his wife, Carol; four sons, Ernest “Stephen” Eyles Jr. and wife, Alice, of Hampden, William G. Eyles and wife, Beth, of Chester, Douglas M. Eyles of Windham and Jonathan L. Eyles and wife, Dorian, of Watertown, N.Y.; one brother, Walter Eyles; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers, Thomas and James Eyles. A funeral service with military honors will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 178 Mount Vernon Road, Augusta. Memorial contributions in Ernest’s honor may be made to Maine Veterans Home, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements entrusted to Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.
ERNEST S. EYLES SR.
