Lester Pelkey

ASHLAND – Lester Pelkey, 86, died Nov. 1, 2007 at Maine Veterans Home in Caribou.  He was born in Ashland, January 24, 1921, the son of Thomas and Phoebe (Martin) Pelkey.      Lester was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of the military police motor pool unit in Gen. George Patton’s division.  He was employed as a woodcutter and logging contractor for many years.  Through the years, Lester won many logging events sponsored by the Ashland Logging Museum and others.  He was proud of the over 200 trophies and ribbons he won at the various round-ups.  
    He is survived by five grandchildren:  Tammy Holmes of Portland, T.J. Tompkins of Coral Springs, FL, Wade Pelkey of Ashland, Brian Holmes of New York, and Dave Nightingale of Palm Bay, FL; three sisters, Virginia Therrien and Alice Goslin, both of East Hartford, CT and Valena Gregorie of Vernon, CT; a special nephew, Carroll Pelkey of Presque Isle. He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth (Beach) Pelkey, one son, Vincent Pelkey, and by one daughter, Sheila Holmes.  
    Relatives and friends called at the Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St., Ashland, from 12 noon until time of service on Monday.  A funeral Mass was celebrated at 2 p.m. on Monday at the St. Mark Catholic Church, Ashland.  Interment in the parish cemetery.  Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the Ashland Logging Museum. To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.