Allen Cunningham Gillespie

Charlotte and Meddybemps – Allen Cunningham Gillespie, 85, passed away Monday, August 29, 2016 at Calais Regional Hospital. Allen was born in Meddybemps on January 26, 1931, son of the late Leroy and Alice (Patten) Gillespie. He attended Calais area schools and at the young age of 15 had to go to work to help the family due to his father’s untimely death. Allen took over his father’s plowing contracts for Pembroke, Perry and Robbinston, which he did for 14 years. On July 19, 1952, Allen married his love, Lorraine Frost. In 1958 he went to work at the Cutler towers and in 1959 Allen joined the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4. In 1970 he started AC Gillespie & Sons, doing crane service throughout Maine and New Hampshire. After closing his business in 1986, Allen continued to work throughout Maine and New Hampshire with the union. He was a member of Crescent Lodge #78 A.F. & A.M. in Pembroke, and was a member of Camp Bunyon in Patten where he enjoyed fishing and hunting with family and friends. Allen had a love for flying and developed an airstrip in Meddybemps named Gillespie Field, which is still in use today.

In addition to his parents, Allen was predeceased by a son-in-law Charlie Preston; brother Charles; and two sisters, Marilyn and Ellie. Surviving are his loving wife of 64 years, Lorraine; three children, Rodney Gillespie and wife Kathy of Ellsworth, Gary Gillespie and wife Darlene of Charlotte, and Tammy Preston of Whiting; seven grandchildren, Jamey, Amy, Branden, Kristen, BryAna, Joshua and Paige; several great-grandchildren; a brother Lawrence Gillespie and wife Theresa of New Gloucester; and his faithful canine companion Andy.

A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, September 2, 2016 at Round Pond Cemetery in Charlotte, followed by a masonic service. A gathering will be after at the Meddybemps Community Center. In lieu of flowers, donations in Allen’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.

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