RUMFORD – Lester W. Libby, 92 years old, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Sept. 14, 2022.

He was born on July 19, 1930, in his family home in Weld. Lester was the son of Charlotte (Bartlett) and Carroll Libby and the eighth of their 12 children. As a young man, he worked for his family’s logging business with his father and brothers, and was always proud that he had mastered the management of his own team of oxen. After high school, he began working at the Oxford Paper Company. It was there that he met the love of his life, Jean McKenna. They married and enjoyed 53 years together.

Lester had a love for the outdoors, a love he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Whether fishing, or hiking, or gardening, or walking the family dog, he was in his element out of doors. Before they could even walk, Lester took his children to the woods, teaching them the names of all the trees and showing them the special places like Hills Pond, The Three Bears Cabin, and Octopus Tree.

Until his death, Lester continued “putting the wood in” every fall in preparation for the winter cold, always grateful to the loggers who left behind pieces of wood that one man could manage alone. To his children, he was one to be depended on. He was beloved of all his nieces and nephews; to the out-of-state clan, he was the essence of Maine, a true one-of-a-kind! And everyone always could rely on Lester to offer a delicious cup of freshly brewed coffee no matter the time of day or night.

Lester leaves behind his daughters Rosemarie Fowler (Steven) of Orono, his son, James Libby (Pauline) of Rumford, his daughter, Margaret “Peggy” Morse of Dixfield; and a special grandson, David Duguay (Jill) of Rumford. He was very proud of all his grandchildren, Daniel Fowler (Becky), Michael Fowler (Rachel), Matthew Fowler, Franc Fowler (Alexis), Tyler Morse, and Katie Morse; and his great-grandchildren Alexander Duguay, Emma Fowler, and Louis Fowler. Also surviving are his sisters Eleanor Fish of Weld and Gloria Jones of Livermore, his brother-in-law, Joseph McKenna of Portland; and many special nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Jean; infant daughter, Mary Anne; brothers Carroll Jr. and James, sisters Katherine Hathaway, Patricia Libby, Jean Goodwin, Corrinne Mckinney, Margaret “Julia” Smith, Barbara Boppel, and Carolyn “Dawn” Pratt.

At Lester’s request, there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers, please spend some time in nature.

Copy the Story Link