Myron C. Leighton Obituary (1920 - 2012)

AUGUSTA -- Myron C. 'Mike' Leighton, 91, passed away on Sunday, April 1, 2012, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Augusta, after a long and fulfilling life. He was born in Manchester on Oct. 11, 1920, the son of Percy E. and Leslie K. (Ames) Leighton. Mike was a lifelong resident of Hallowell. He graduated from Hallowell High School in 1940. He worked for Franklin Steel and Foundry in Providence, R.I., until enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1942 to serve during World War II. He saw action in the European, African, and Middle Eastern theaters aboard the USCG vessel Duane. He married Florence E. Kendall on Sept. 7, 1947. They celebrated 43 years of marriage until her death on Jan. 15, 1991. Mike was employed by Central Maine Power Co. for 37 years, retiring in 1983. He was a life member of the Kennebec Masonic Lodge No. 5, the Kora Temple Shrine in Lewiston, American Legion Post No. 6 Hallowell and the Riverside Congregational Church in Vassalboro. He was a past member of the BPOE Augusta Lodge and the Pine Cone Reelers. Over the years, Mike enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, golfing, square dancing and building bird houses and weathervanes in his garage. Spending time at camp, first Three Mile Pond and then Ocean Park, was something he loved to do. His close friend and companion later in life, Joanne Lathrop, also enjoyed spending time with him at the ocean or just keeping busy together. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Russell, Clyde and Donald; and a sister, Ruth Leighton. He is survived by his daughter, Lesley Wood, of Augusta; grandchildren Keith Wood and Karen Wood, both of Sidney; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at Riverside Congregational Church, Vassalboro. Burial will occur in Hallowell Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104; or the Riverside Congregational Church, c/o James Nichols, 127 Old Lewiston Road, West Gardiner, ME 04345. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta, where condolences, photos, memories and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.