Obituary of Andrew Miles

ANDREW “GUMP” MILES, 86 of Clinton, died peacefully at home with family by his side on May 29, 2010. He was born in Burnham on October 29, 1923, the second son of Arthur and Hazel Miles. Andrew attended Burnham Elementary School and spent many fulfilling hours with childhood friends and extended family. Gump was a 1940 graduate of Clinton High School and served in the U.S. Navy from December 1942 to January 1946 as an Aviation Ordnanceman Second-Class. Andy worked for Maine Central Railroad in Waterville as a machinist for 43 years, retiring in 1984. While working for the railroad, he developed many life-long friendships that he cherished beyond retirement. Andrew married Eunice Marilyn Goodale, his wife of nearly 58 years, on July 3, 1952. Together they raised five daughters, celebrating small town life with family and friends. Andrew was involved in many civic organizations including the Clinton Water District, Sebasticook Masonic Lodge #146, Fireside Chapter of the Eastern Star #103 and the Clinton Lions Club. Andrew’s life was centered around his family and friends, his work, his animals and his love of the outdoors. He was an accomplished woodworker, building his own home and sharing his time and talents with many others. His interests included hunting, fishing, boating and canoeing, horse racing, gardening, cooking, swimming and camping. He played baseball with his brothers in the Tri-County League for the Pittsfield AC’s. Andrew enjoyed traveling the back roads of Maine, exploring all that nature had to offer. He spent many hours fishing Maine’s lakes and rivers and found special enjoyment relaxing at his hunting camp in the Leonard Woods of Unity. Andrew’s faith in Christ was simple yet profound, providing a legacy of compassion, integrity, generosity, forgiveness and love. Andrew was predeceased by his parents, Hazel Hunt Miles and Arthur Shaw Miles of Burnham; his brothers Alfred Carl Miles of Burnham, Ernest Hunt Miles and wife Helen of Burnham, Malcolm Wesley Miles and wife Doris of Clinton; brother-in-law Hervey Kimball of Waterford; granddaughter Jenna Armstrong of Thomaston. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Eunice Marilyn Goodale Miles of Clinton; his daughters Elizabeth Diamond and husband John of Warren, RI; Nancy Armstrong and husband Jeffrey of Thomaston; Deborah Miles of Warren; Andrea Veilleux and husband Brian of Thomaston; Joan Miles and husband Spencer Drury of Eustis. Grandchildren include Michael Diamond and wife Kelly George of Philadelphia, PA; Jonathan Diamond of Warren, RI; Kathryn Armstrong of Tampa, FL; Gordon Armstrong of Thomaston; Xiaodan Mao of Houston, TX; Jacob Veilleux, Jessica Veilleux and Abigail Veilleux of Thomaston; Joni Jabar of San Diego, CA and Anthony Jabar of Waterville. Other surviving relatives include sisters-in-law, Barbara Libby of Burnham; Marjorie Kimball of Waterford; Jacqueline Jabar and husband Paul of Augusta; first cousin Althea Parsons of Zephyr Hills, FL and numerous, much-loved nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Helping Hands and HealthReach Hospice for their thoughtful and compassionate care during Andrew’s time of need. The family also wishes to express their great appreciation for the support of extended family, friends and neighbors who encouraged and upheld Andrew and his family while at home for the final six months of his life. Please join us in celebrating Andrew’s life on Sunday June 27th at the Green Lawn Rest Cemetery in Clinton for a graveside service with military honors at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Camps, 81 West Haven Lane, Brooks, ME 04921. On-line condolences may be made at www.ripostafh.com.