EDDINGTON – John Gorham Faulkner, 75, died peacefully July 19, 2011, after a brief illness. He was born June 15, 1936, in Holden, the son of Helen (Gray) and Douglas Faulkner.
After attending Holden and Brewer schools, he enlisted in the Army in 1959. After his military stint, he worked for J. R. Cianchette, learning the construction business. In 1964, he and his wife, Gloria, started J.G. Faulkner, Inc., a site preparation company. Whether digging a foundation or building a road, golf course or cemetery, John was an engineering genius. He cleverly solved any earthwork challenge, and with enormous creativity and passion, made each job site a beautiful work of art. In particular, John will be remembered for utilizing various rock formations to create exquisite walls and gardens. Many eastern Maine communities have benefited from his unique talents and incomparable work ethic. Additionally, his philanthropic contributions will long be appreciated by the town of Eddington. John loved the Maine outdoors, spending the majority of his professional and personal life in the woods, near water or in his gravel pits. He enjoyed brook trout fishing in the spring and deer hunting in the fall.
John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Gloria (Smith) Faulkner and their two daughters, Lorraine Powell of Eddington and Sonja Faulkner of Los Angeles; sons-in-law, Joseph Powell and Christian Lalonde; grandsons, John Joseph “Jack” Powell and Caden Gray Lalonde; brother and best friend, Reginald D. Faulkner and his wife, Claudette, of Brewer; brother, Philip Faulkner and his wife, Sandy, of Holden; sisters, Dorothy Andrews of Bangor and Joan Farrell and her husband, Richard, of Brewer; half brother, Donald Coffin and his wife, Alyson, of Brewer; and siblings-in-law, Eleanor Farrington, Margene Smith, Sheldon and Marion Smith, Roberta Scott, Barbara Haskell, and Vaughn and Judy Smith. John is also survived by longtime associate, Kenneth Robertson; as well as many nieces and nephews, who will miss his kind heart and generous spirit. In addition to his family, John treasured his loyal customers who became special friends.
Relatives and friends may call 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 22, at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor. A private interment will take place at the convenience of the family. Gifts in John’s memory may be sent to the Maine affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure, in support of breast cancer research and services, P.O. Box 1626, Bangor, ME 04402-1626 or www.komenmaine.org/make-a-donation/. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.