Burton Douglas Gilman

FARMINGTON -- Burton D. Gilman, 64, of Vienna passed away Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006, at Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington, with his loving family at his side, following a long courageous battle with cancer.

He was born April 30, 1942, in Mount Vernon, a son of Jonathan Nelson and Annette (Weston) Gilman. He attended Mount Vernon and Oakland schools and graduated from Williams High School in 1960.

In 1963, he married Barbara Clark.

He was the "handyman of Vienna," always offering his help with general repairs, carpentry, woodworking, gardening and yardwork. He supported his wife's creative talent and accompanied her to many craft shows throughout the state.

Burton was a member of the Vienna Historical Society and was well-known for acting in their plays. He was gifted at being able to memorize and recite poetry. He also was a member of the Mill Stream Grange and Kennebec Pomona, of which he was a past master. He was active in many aspects of the community and also attended North Vienna Methodist Church.

He was a loving father and grandfather. In addition to his wife, Barbara, of Vienna, he is survived by their children, two sons, Jonathan and his wife, Sherene, of Mount Vernon, and Brian, of South Portland; a daughter, Bonnie Parlin and her husband, Jerry, of Farmington; two sisters, Eileen Lord and her husband, Joseph "Joe," of Vienna, and Lorraine Tukey and her husband, Daniel, of North Belgrade; an aunt, Rachel Weston Bourque and her husband, Henry, of China; and two grandchildren, Conrad and Courtney, of Mount Vernon.

He was predeceased by his folks.

Family and friends are invited to call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road, U.S. Route 2 and Route 27, Farmington. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Committal services will be held at the Village Cemetery, Vienna. Following services, all are welcome to attend a reception at Mill Stream Grange, Vienna.

Those who desire may give in his memory to the Mount Vernon Rescue, 6 Belgrade Road, Mount Vernon, ME 04352. Online condolences may be sent to wilesfuneralhomes@verizon.net.

Published in Central Maine on Dec. 15, 2006