Bertrand Lindsay Varnum

Baileyville-- Bertrand L. Varnum, 93, beloved husband, father, and grandfather died February 4, 2008 at Calais Hospital after a long and productive life. Bert was born August 11, 1914 in Alexander to Earl and Mary Carolyn (Dwelley) Varnum. He was a graduate of Woodland High Class of 1932. Upon graduation he partnered with his father in the dairy, lumber, and blueberry businesses. In 1952 Bert built the first pasteurizing plant delivering milk to Woodland, Calais, and surrounding towns. He owned and operated Varnum’s Dairy until 1965. He also partnered with Bernie Doten in the B. L. Doten and Varnum Building Supply Business. In 1969 he joined Georgia Pacific’s Scaling Department and enjoyed working there until his retirement in 1982. He loved gardening, hosting his class reunions, and attending local basketball games. He was a 75 year member of the Alexander Grange #304, a member of the Alexander Crawford Historical Society, and Past Grand of Frontier Lodge 111. He was predeceased by his wife and high school sweetheart of 46 years Virginia (Wallace) Varnum in 1991. He was also predeceased by three sisters Alda Varnum, Vesta Duffy, and Alice Williams; two brothers Sumner and Albert Varnum; and a cousin, Rex Varnum. He is survived by his two daughters Barbara Varnum Draper and her husband, Ralph, of Nottingham, NH and Becky Varnum of Baileyville; a son Brian Varnum and his wife, Andrea, of North Windham; a grandson Jason Draper of Nottingham; a granddaughter Nicole Draper Jordan and her husband, Robert Jr., a step great-granddaughter Madison Jordan all of Exeter, NH; and two nephews Norman K. Varnum of Presque Isle and C. Dale Williams and his wife, Lois, of Brewer and their families. And he will be missed by his neighbors Ernest and Gloria Leighton, Don and Gen Smith, Harold Grant, and Debby Hatch and his dear friends Harriet Martell, Chester McCray, Kathie Cox, Irene Glidden, Al Cote, and Marion and Brad Hunnewell.


Memorials:
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alexander Crawford Historical Society, 216 Pokey Rd, Alexander, Me 04694. A spring graveside service will be held in the Alexander Cemetery.


Cemetery:
Alexander Cemetery
Airline Road
Alexander, ME 04694 (map/driving directions)



Visitations:
2:00PM to 4:00PM on Friday, February 8th, 2008 at Mays Funeral Home (map/driving directions)

6:00PM to 8:00PM on Friday, February 8th, 2008 at Mays Funeral Home (map/driving directions)