LEWISTON – Gary Yakawonis, 66, of Lewiston, died Sunday, Sept. 21, at Central Maine Medical Center after a very brief illness.

He was born in Lewiston on Sept. 17, 1942, a son to the late John and Dorothy (Nezol) Yakawonis. He attended Mountain School and Pattern School in Greene. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1960.

He lived most of his life in Greene, recently moving to Lewiston. He worked for CMP as a lineman and station operator for many years, and would speak warmly of the camaraderie shared amongst fellow workers.

He loved the outdoors, and developed the family farm in Greene into Allen Pond Campground, which he owned and operated for many years. He also owned and operated Allen Pond Excavating and Logging, often taking his daughter Sarah, as a child, on his last run of the day in the big dump truck.

He also loved exploring new land and wood options with his dog Mindy. He was always there to help family and friends, and he leaves behind many who will always remember him for his big and generous heart.

He talked with pride in the building and development of Allen Pond Campground, and considered it his greatest accomplishment, and his daughter, Sarah Dorothy, was the joy of his life.

He is survived by his daughter, Sarah Yakawonis of Portland; and two brothers, Peter and his wife, Celeste, of Turner and John Yakawonis and his partner, Michael of Dallas, Texas.