PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — On Sunday, September 15, friends, family, and colleagues gathered at the Aroostook House of Comfort to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of Dr. David Jones, a great man who touched the hearts of many in his community and beyond. Dr. Jones, who passed unexpectedly on October 22, 2023, was a devoted family man, an esteemed medical director for Northern Light Home Care & Hospice, a committed Aroostook Hospice Foundation board member and a cherished friend.
With a medical career that spanned decades, Dr. Jones made a lasting impact across the region. His contributions to family medicine in Presque Isle, his work in emergency medicine in Fort Kent and his dedication to hospice care statewide earned him a reputation as a knowledgeable and compassionate provider as well as an advocate. His passion for hospice care, in particular, resonated deeply with those he served, both within the home hospice setting and at the Aroostook House of Comfort.
In a heartfelt ceremony, Dr. Jones’ family dedicated a bench, a stepping stone, two trees and two blueberry bushes, all nestled within the grounds of the Aroostook House of Comfort. A beautiful memorial plaque is also displayed within the Aroostook House of Comfort. To further honor his many contributions, the Aroostook Hospice Foundation and Northern Light Home Care & Hospice gifted a Lyman Whitaker Nebula Wind Sculpture, which now stands beside the bench and greenery.
During the dedication, attendees shared personal stories and memories, reflecting on Dr. Jones’ profound impact on their lives, both personally and professionally. His wife Debbie Jones spoke about how each item in the memorial area was carefully chosen to represent one of his personal or professional interests. The bench features an inscribed bowtie and honors both his dedication to medicine and his unique style. It is meant to offer a peaceful resting place amongst the solace of nature. In addition to colleagues and friends, his daughter Chriki, his two step-children Carl Litsch and Sarah Litsch and his six grandchildren were all present to honor and remember him at this special memorial dedication. His compassion, kindness and gentle spirit were themes echoed by many who gathered to remember him.
The stepping stone, a central part of the memorial, is inscribed with one of Dr. Jones’ favorite quotes, which perfectly captures his essence:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” Maya Angelou
Dr. Jones’ presence is deeply missed, but his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew him and the many future visitors to the Aroostook House of Comfort.
The Aroostook House of Comfort, situated centrally in Aroostook County and recognized as the sole inpatient hospice facility north of Augusta, is owned by the Aroostook Hospice Foundation. Northern Light Home Care & Hospice, the longest serving Medicare-certified hospice agency in Aroostook County, oversees the hands-on hospice care and staffing. Together, we offer compassionate care, comfort, dignity and support to individuals and their caregivers on their journey through hospice. For more information, please visit https://aroostookhouseofcomfort.org/.
