LEWISTON—John Edward Bamford, 70, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Central Maine Medical Center after a valiant fight following a forestry accident near his home in Auburn.

He was born in Lewiston on July 3, 1945, the son of the late Harold and Ada Lucille (Vining) Bamford. He was raised on the Bamford family farm on Park Avenue in Auburn, the once-famous community sliding spot known as Brann’s Hill. John resided in Auburn his entire life, leaving a tremendous footprint in the surrounding community. John married the love of his life, Mary (Pease). They shared a loving marriage of 40 years. It was often said that they were “connected at the hip” while enjoying both square and round dancing with friends, camping, traveling, taking daily walks together and spending precious time with family. It was their lifelong dream to purchase property on Prince Edward Island in Canada where over the past 10 years, they were blessed to spend several summers relaxing together at their cottage.

John loved and accepted Mary’s two boys as his own, raising them along with their only daughter, Johnna, named after her dad. He loved his grandchildren very much, being proud of their every accomplishment, participating with them on various projects and activities. He grew up close with his cousin, Don Vining, loving him like a brother and enjoying their times together. During John’s childhood, his family operated the Bamford farm until his father’s passing.

John was a good brother and son, looking after his family in their father’s absence. He received an associate’s degree in agriculture from the University of Maine in Orono, majoring in dairy farm operations, dairy production and marketing. He left college in his third year to serve in Vietnam. Coming home from the war, he continued serving his country for over 20 years with the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 2001. In 1999, John’s daughter married Into the Ferland Farm family.

Being a farmer at heart, John treasured his second chance at farming adventures with his daughter and son-in-law. John had a heart of gold, demonstrated by frequently putting others before himself. He was a good neighbor, helping with any need; shoveling driveways, jump-starting cars, looking after homes. John belonged to the Maine Antique Engine Club, and enjoyed fixing and showing his antique engines. He was a member of the Good Sam Club, traveling and camping with Mary at his side. He became a Mason and later, a Shriner. He loved spending time in the quiet of the woods. After a busy day working with wood, he would go inside and relax in his recliner enjoying a warm cup of coffee, what he referred to as his “cup of mud.” His last hours among us were spent doing what he loved, helping others and working in the woods with Mary by his side.

John is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Johnna Ferland and husband, Paul, of Poland and their children, Cadence and Emily; son, Woody Gould and wife, Judy, of Oxford and their children, Josh and Ben; son, Carl Dill and wife, Spring, of Auburn and their children, Christian, Elizabeth and Hannah; brother, Danny Bamford of Auburn; sister, Jane Bamford of Auburn; sister-in-law, Tina Gilbert of Auburn; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins; and dearest friends, Don and Cheryl Morin of Auburn.

John was predeceased by his parents; and longtime college buddy, Tony Rush of Benedicta.

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