Afton Farrin Obituary

SOUTH BRISTOL -- Afton Holmes Farrin Jr. "Junior" of South Bristol, died peacefully in his home Saturday evening, June 20, 2009. He touched many lives in his 93 years with his kind, gentle, and gracious spirit.

He was born on May 16, 1916, to Afton and Annie May Gamage Farrin. He graduated from South Bristol High School and the University of Maine at Orono with a degree in agriculture.

In 1941 Afton enlisted in the Army and served on the west coast from March of 1942 through January of 1943. After training at Camp Shelby in Georgia, he was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division and was in the first wave of infantrymen to go ashore at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. He was captured by Germans a few days into the fighting but escaped before reaching the prison camp. For several days he alone worked his way back to allied territory and from there fought in Northern France, the Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe until the end of the war in 1945. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for his heroic actions near Battice, Begium in September of 1944. While his memories of that time were painful for him, his family is very proud of his service to our country and the sacrifices he made. Upon returning home he wanted and was granted a simpler life of fishing, farming and raising a family.

Afton lived life by his own calendar, one based on his natural surroundings. He seemed to know instinctively when the mackerel and herring were running. For at least 68 summers he rose before the sun to check and pull his mackerel traps. His calendar included seasons for each berry, fruit, vegetable, and flower that grew on the farm he bought in Walpole upon returning from the war. It also included a season for getting the wood in for the winter. He gave his children and foster children the gift of appreciation for these things. He was also a strong supporter of the Democratic Party, a stamp collector, and a 60-year member of the Masons.

Afton is predeceased by his wife, Phoebe Alberta (Blaisdell); his son, Michael Farrin; his brothers Bob, Frank, Ken, Alva and David; and sister Charlotte Page.

He is survived by his brothers Raymond and Paul and his sisters Margaret House, Annie Gilbert, and Ruth Bulloc; his daughters Judy Janoo, Joyce Lucas and her husband, James Lucas, and Jacqueline Bennett; his foster daughter Barbara Jean Newcomb; his grandchildren Angela McBean, Anthony Janoo, Amanda Janoo, Hannah Farrin, Samuel Farrin, Rebecca Brow and Joshua Bennett; and his devoted cat Greta.

His family would like to share a celebration of his life with family and friends at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, at the South Bristol Elementary School. He will be laid to rest, with his wife and son, at the Harrington Cemetery, Pemaquid.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Kno-Wal-Lin Home Care & Hospice whose support made it possible for him to live his final days with dignity. Their address is: 170 Pleasant St., Rockland, ME 04841.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.