Gilbert J. Barnaby Sr.

FARMINGTON – Gilbert J. Barnaby, Sr., 96, a longtime resident of Jay, Maine, died Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Edgewood Rehabilitation and Living Center in Farmington. He was born June 28, 1927, in Essex, New York, son of Zenno and Daisy Knox Barnaby. He attended school in Ticonderoga, N.Y., and was drafted out of high school on September 4, 1945, to serve in the US Army during World War II. He completed basic training at Fort McClellan in Alabama, was sent overseas to Belgium and then transferred to the 78th Field Hospital in Mourmelon, France. He was trained as a medic and was also responsible for the plumbing and heating at the hospital. He received many medals for his service: Army Occupation, World War II Victory, European Theater Victory, and Good Conduct. He was discharged on May 25, 1947. He later received his high school diploma from Jay High School in November 2001.

He was an employee of International Paper Co. for 41 years, working from the bottom of the ladder to the top as a supervisor of paper machines. He loved paper machines and started up many for International Paper Co. over the years. He loved his job, enjoyed working with people, and the challenge of starting up new paper machines. He came to Maine in 1965 to start-up the new Androscoggin Mill paper machines #1 and #2 and later #4 and #5 machines. He was fortunate to retire on July 1, 1985, after 41 years of employment at the mill.

On July 24, 1948, in Ticonderoga, N.Y., Gilbert married the love of his life, his wife of 65 years, Joyce E. Whittemore of Crown Point, N.Y. He was an active member of his community as a member of St. Rose of Lima Church in Jay, The International Paper Quarter Century Club, Frank L. Mitchell VFW Post No 3335 in Jay, and the Amvets Post 33 of Jay.

In his time off from the mill, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling.

He was an avid snowmobiler and loved riding in Canada where he traveled many miles on long trips with friends and completed 14 trips around the Gaspé Peninsula. He enjoyed many years at his cottage (2nd home) on Chain of Ponds with family and friends. He also loved hunting with his son Gil at his camp in Eustis located on the Dead River. Over the years he harvested many big bucks with his rifle and bow. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

He is survived by his daughters, LaRena Nickerson of Farmington and Regina Savage and husband Thomas of Jay, and his son Gilbert J. Barnaby, Jr. and partner Betsey Stevens of Skowhegan; Grandchildren Ryan Voter and partner Shyla Richards of Bangor, Rena Voter of Ellsworth, Brian Barnaby of So. China, and Jennifer Sanborn and husband Robert of So. China; Great Grandchildren Luca Arlen Zitsch, Briton Barnaby, Emmalee, Carlee, Benett, and Levitt Sanborn, brother Dr. Roger Barnaby of California, and sister Daisy Tabone of Texas, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Joyce Barnaby, sister Juanita Scanlon, mother Daisy Knox Barnaby, father Zenno Barnaby, son-in-law Winston Nickerson, Jr., and his wonderful partner and friend of many years Beatrice Farrington. Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m., Thursday, June 6, at St. Rose of Lima Church, 1 Church Street, Jay, Maine. Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, June 5th at FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 15 Church Street, Livermore Falls, Maine. Interment with military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery, 445 Park Street, Livermore Falls, Maine. Military organizations will meet at the funeral home at 5:45 p.m.

If desired contributions may be made in Gil’s Memory to: St. Rose Food Pantry and Fuel Fund, 1 Church Street, Jay, Maine 04239