BAR HARBOR – Lester E. Bunker Jr., 97, died June 20, 2012, in Bangor. He was born Aug. 22, 1914, in Franklin, son of Lester Earl and Florence (Low) Bunker Sr.
He graduated from Franklin High School in 1932. He worked as a restaurant cook and at other jobs before being employed at The Jackson Laboratory in the lab’s early days in the-mid 1930s. Lester served as a laboratory technician in the U.S. Army from 1942-1946, stationed at Fort Devens, Mass. After he returned to The Jackson Laboratory, he met his wife, Helen Elizabeth Parker, and they married in 1947. He attended Bowdoin College, and graduated from the University of Maine, Orono in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology. He later received his master’s degree in histology while working at The Jackson Laboratory as the chief of the histology department and a research assistant. He was a member of St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church, which he served as a vestry member and in other capacities including church treasurer. Lester served on Bar Harbor Town Warrant Committee. He was a member of the committee, which planned the development of housing for senior citizens in Bar Harbor, leading to the construction of Malvern Belmont Estates. Lester was also a former member of Sigmi Xi scientific research society and the Mount Desert Island Rod and Gun Club. Lester was a man of great kindness, patience, humor and tolerance. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his son, John Bunker and wife, Ruth, of Holden; daughter, Cheryl Bunker and husband, John Foster, of Newton, Mass.; four grandchildren, Elizabeth and Julie Bunker, and Stephanie and Courtney Foster; two sisters, Vera Foss and Marjorie Getchell, both of Franklin; several nieces and nephews. Lester was predeceased by his wife, Helen; and brother, Charles William Bunker. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Maine Veterans Home, Bangor, especially the D unit.
Friends are invited to call 9-10 a.m. Saturday, June 23, at St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church, Bar Harbor, where funeral services will begin 10 a.m. Burial will be at Ledgelawn Cemetery, Bar Harbor. Contributions in Lester’s memory may be made to St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church, 41 Mount Desert St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert. Condolences may be expressed at
www.jordanfernald.com.