John H. Miles 1930-2009

AUGUSTA — John H. Miles, 78, of Augusta and formerly of Kents Hill, died Thursday, Oct.22, at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta after a long and courageous battle with Lewy Body Disease; which has symptoms similar to Parkinsons and Alzheimer’s.

He was born in Lewiston on Dec. 30, 1930, the son of Ralph and Irene (Poulin) Miles. He grew up in Auburn, graduating from Edward Little High School with the Class of 1949. He married his high school sweetheart, Lena Asselyn, in 1950.

He served two years honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict in 1952 and 1953.

John was employed as District Manager for Suburban Propane in Augusta for 27 years and held similar positions with the company in Presque Isle, Long Island, N.Y., Rochester, N.H., and Portland. Previously, he had run a propane dealership with his wife Lena in Rangely.

While living in Presque Isle, John was active in community affairs as President of the Chamber of Commerce. He was also active in city and state politics — nearly winning a bid far the Democratic House of Representatives in 1972.

He enjoyed the family camp on the Aroostook River and the fishing and hunting the area offered. After moving to Augusta, he joined the Capital City Rifle and Pistol Club and competed locally and nationally in competitive shooting. He fell in love with sailing, especially on Penobscot Bay, and thoroughly enjoyed his time on the water with his wife Lena, his children and many friends. He was also a member of the Rockland Yacht Club.

John was a communicant of St. Francis Xavier Catholic church in Winthrop. He earned a 4th degree with the Knights of Columbus Father McGowan Council No. 7655.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Ralph Miles, of Auburn.

Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Lena Asselyn Miles; his son, John H. Miles II; daughter, Mary Ellen Miles and her husband, Roy; and grandchildren, Hannah Ruth and Elijah Roy. John was especially proud of his grandchildren’s achievements in academics and music. He is also survived by his brother, Retired Colonel Richard J. Miles, and his wife, Nancy; along with several nieces and nephews.

 John’s family would like to thank the Maine Veterans Home for the special
care given to him over the past four years. They would also like to
express their gratitude to Health Reach Hospice.