1932 – 2016

AUBURN — Arnold (Arnie) J. Burgess passed away suddenly Sunday, Oct. 2, at the age of 84.

Arnold married Roberta June Tiffany on Dec. 21, 1957, at East Auburn Baptist Church, his wife of nearly 59 years.

He is survived by Roberta; his four sons and daughters-in-law, David and Susan Burgess from Greene, Ronald and Susan Burgess from Milford, N.H., Scott Burgess from Albuquerque, N.M., and Gregory and Patricia Burgess from New Gloucester; his grandchildren, Nicole, Tiffany, Andrew, Philip, Seth, Danny and Garrett Burgess and Sarah Harmer; his great-grandchildren, Amelia, Jaccob and Nora Simpson; and another great-granddaughter due in February.

Arnold was born the son of Lloyd and Mildred Burgess on June 18, 1932, at the family farm in Livermore. Arnold resided in East Auburn most of his life. Arnie was one of five children, including Lloyd Jr., Betty (Thayer), Glendon and Sandra (Oliver). Arnold is survived by one sister, Sandy Oliver from Lewiston.

He entered the U.S. Navy in January 1951, serving four years aboard the USS Chilton (APA-38) as a motorboat operator during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in December 1954.

Arnie studied heating and air conditioning at Maine Vocational Technical Institute. He served as president of Northeastern Refrigeration until his retirement in 1997.

An avid outdoorsman, Arnold loved to hunt and fish, earning him the nickname “Fisher.” He enjoyed many years fishing with his brother, Glen, providing fresh trout to the annual family fish fry at Bear Pond. He played softball with the East Auburn Lakers until he was near 70, and participated in East Auburn basketball and volleyball teams. In his later years, Arnie enjoyed playing cribbage and “taking the old people’s money” at the Lewiston Senior Cribbage League.

One of Arnie’s favorite places was the Burgess’ camp on Bear Pond where the family spent every summer since 1971. There he entertained family and friends with outdoor games such as bocce ball, horseshoes, volleyball tournaments and swimming with the grandchildren. Many summer evenings were spent around Arnie’s best (and biggest) campfires.

Arnold was always willing to lend a hand to family, friends and community. He served as a president of the East Auburn Community Unit, and organized activities such as Halloween parties and the Little World Fair. Arnie was an active member of the Bear Pond Improvement Association.

He was hospitable, loved to entertain and “over feed” visitors. Arnie was a man with a large personality. He will be missed!

Friends and family are invited to share their memories and offer their condolences by visiting Arnold’s online guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.