Houlton newsman recalled as kind mentor, careful editor

Mark Putnam, Special to The County
14 years ago

HOULTON, Maine — John R. “Jack” Faulkner, a “hands-on” manager for Northeast Publishing Co. in Presque Isle for more than 30 years, died Monday at his home. He was 79.

Faulkner graduated from Colby College in 1953 and, before joining Northeast Publishing, worked as associate editor for the Maine Potato Council. At Northeast, he was ad manager and editor of the Houlton Pioneer Times from 1963-68, and was business manager for all of Northeast’s papers from 1968-81. From 1981 until his retirement in 1994, Faulkner was director of newspaper operations and executive editor of the weekly papers in Presque Isle, Caribou, Houlton and Dover-Foxcroft.

He was named to the Maine Press Association Hall of Fame in 2004.

A life-long Houlton resident, Faulkner hired and trained many reporters, editors and support personnel during his extensive newspaper career. Most recall him as a kind and patient leader, with a the special ability to delegate and get out of the way or, when necessary, jump right in as a hands-on, roll up the shirtsleeves type manager.

Former Pioneer Times community editor/reporter Kaye Trickey worked under Faulkner’s tutelage and appreciates his management style.

“He never seemed to be in a hurry even at deadline times. Jack would sometimes come to my desk and put something down and say ‘see what you think.’ He would walk back to the inner office and wait for my opinion,” she said.

“He relied on his staff to do their job. As we worked he was always patient. He also had an occasional spot of humor, always with a smile,” Trickey added.

Sports Editor Joe Cyr, who like many others was hired right out of college by Faulkner, tries to use lessons he learned from his former boss at the news desk today.

“For Jack, the world really was black and white. It was either a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ answer. And once he made a decision, it was final. It’s that sort of confidence in one’s conviction that I have tried to emulate over the years,” he said.

Former Pioneer Times advertising manager, Wendell Guy, called Faulkner a good friend and knowledgeable boss.

“We worked together for 25 years. I watched the papers go through many changes during that period. He was very well versed and knew the newspaper business better than most. He could edit news and other subjects with ease. It came natural for him.”

After the papers were “put to bed for another week”, Faulkner liked to spend time with friends at the Houlton Elks Lodge or in the woods with his favorite gun or fishing pole. It was said he could carry an interesting conversation on just about any topic from sports to the stock market.

Frank Dunn knew Faulkner quite well and recalled him with great fondness.

“Jackie-Bob, as his Mother called him, was a valued friend as a neighbor, a college compatriot, and a business advisor. When I returned to Houlton from the Air Force Jack was a key factor in my training in the advertising end of our business. Over the years his advice and knowledge were something I could always count on. And, it should definitely be noted that Jack was a man to have, if you were going fishing or hunting. He could split wood and wash a dish with the best of them. We’ll miss you Jack,” he said.

Faulkner truly worked “behind the scenes” at Northeast Publishing for many years and his talent as a dedicated newspaper man is best witnessed through the ongoing accomplishments of those who were lucky enough to have worked with or for him. Today his hires work not only in Aroostook County, but at the Bangor Daily News and in other newsrooms across state and nation.

During a 1989 interview Faulkner offered his philosophy on community journalism and the responsibility he carried as a manager of publications that were well over 100 years old to represent the community and loyal readers.

“These publications have been around a lot longer than we have, and they’ll still be around here a long time after we’re gone. That’s why I’ve always said Northeast Publishing is just the temporary custodian of these newspapers.”

His weekly visits to the Pioneer Times for coffee and conversation will be greatly missed.

Editor’s note: Jack Faulkner is survived by his wife, Esther; three sons, Rob, John and Jimmy; and a grandson, Cole. A complete obituary for Faulkner may be found on Page Four of this newspaper.