NORWAY – Former Selectman John M. Akin died Sunday afternoon from congestive heart and lung failure.

“He died at home, in my arms,” said his wife, Gail. “We were alone together. He died very calmly.”

Akin, 61, celebrated his 30th wedding anniversary with Gail in November.

His first term as a selectman was from 1999 to 2001. He was re-elected in 2002, but had to resign because of illness.

“He was so tired,” Gail said. “He went from 240 pounds to 120 pounds.”

Town Manager David Holt called Akin a man who really cared about the community and remained concerned even in his illness.

“I spoke with him last week and he expressed pleasure on the progress made on projects he voted on to start,” Holt said.

“His fellow board members thought a great deal of him. It’s certainly an awful shame when something like that happens to anybody,” he added.

The Akins built their home in Norway in 1981.

Akin retired in 1984 after 22 years in the Navy. He was a flight engineer on the P-3 Orion and did seven tours of Vietnam. His final three years in the Navy were spent at the Naval Air Station in Brunswick.

He received a Presidential Unit commendation, the Vietnamese Campaign medal, the Korean Expeditionary medal and from South Vietnam, the Vietnam Service medal.

After Akin retired from the Navy he finished his college education at the University of Southern Maine in Lewiston, receiving a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

He then worked for Allstate Insurance on Sabattus Street in Lewiston, for 12 years.

Besides his wife he is also survived by three sons and a granddaughter, all living in Norway. Gail said there will be no services now; rather they are planned for next summer at Lakeview Cemetery in Norway.

In lieu of flowers, Gail requested donations be made to the Child Health Care Center, Norway.

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