Lester Young

BREWER – Lester Burton Young, 77, passed onto his heavenly rest May 15, 2019, surrounded by his beloved family. He was born December 8, 1941, in Alton, the second of five children, to Harold M. and Harriet E. (Kealiher) Young.

Lester grew up on the banks of Pushaw Stream where he developed his lifelong love of fishing that he learned from his brother, Kip, and his father. Lester credited his success to his upbringing, the guidance of his parents, and the love and support of his family. His parents were wonderful role models who instilled in him a devotion to family, the satisfaction of hard work, and an appreciation for the arts.

Lester graduated from Old Town High School, Class of 1960. Following high school, he attended the University of Maine, earning a B.S. in Education in 1964, an M.Ed. in 1975, and a C.A.S in 1982. Lester loved being an educator. He began his career as a teacher in Vanceboro, where he taught for 3 years. He then went on to work at Glenburn Elementary School where he taught 7th grade from 1967-1968, was a teaching Principal from 1968-1972, and a supervising Principal from 1972-1979. During these 13 wonderful years, he was very active in the Glenburn community. He served as a coach, recreation committee member, and Chairman of the Glenburn Charter Commission, responsible for bringing Little League to Glenburn.

In 1979, he started his career in Brewer as the Principal of the Pendleton and State Street Schools. Between 1979 and 1989, Lester served in various roles as the Principal of Pendleton Street, State Street, and Washington Street Schools. From 1990-1995, Lester was the Principal of the State Street School and the Business Manager of the Brewer School Department. In 1995, Lester left Brewer for one year to be the Superintendent of SAD 63 and returned to a one year position in Brewer in 1996 before retiring in 1997 to Florida. In 1999-2009, Lester returned as the School Department’s Business Manager. He concluded his career from 2009-2011 as the Owner’s Representative for the Brewer Community School Construction Project.

In recognition of his contribution to our community, Lester was named Brewer’s Citizen of the Year in 2011.

Throughout his career, Lester was a positive influence in the lives of students, parents, and colleagues. He was very active in professional education organizations, such as the Northeast Elementary Principal Association, the Maine Principal’s Association, where he served on many committees, and the Penobscot River Educational Partnership. Lester attended All Souls Congregational Church in Bangor, where he reconnected with the faith of his childhood.

Lester loved life and his family. He treasured the time he and Janet spent together at camp on Hopkins Pond, Mariaville, and in The Villages, Florida. Lester was also blessed with many close friends. He will be especially missed by his beloved pets, Buddy and Holly.

In addition to his parents, Lester was predeceased by his brother, Harold “Kip” Young. He is survived by his wife, Janet McIntosh of Brewer; sister-in-law, Mary Young of Winslow; sisters, Wanda McKenna and husband, Richard of Skowhegan, Devon Storman and husband, Larry of Orono, Katherine Akoa and husband, Francois of Machiasport; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his step-children, Ricky Stevens and husband, Joel of Burnham, Michelle Archer and husband, Greg of Belfast, and Bob Contois and wife, Bobbie of Orrington. He will also be missed by Janet’s children, Jeffrey McIntosh and wife, Emily, of Brewer, and Jane Venturelli and husband, George, of Brewer. He loved the time he spent with his grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate Lester’s life will be held at 4 p.m., Thursday May 30, 2019, at All Souls Congregational Church, 10 Broadway, Bangor, with Rev. Chad L. Poland, Pastor and Teacher, and the Rev. Renee U. Garrett, M. Div., Minister of Christian Nature, officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to share conversation and refreshments immediately following the service downstairs in the Vestry. Those wishing to remember Lester in a special way may make gifts in his memory to The Garrett Mission Fund, c/o All Souls Congregational Church, 10 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401, or to the Bangor Human Society 693 Mount Hope Avenue, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.