Edward Allen Leavitt Sr. Obituary (1945 - 2015)

Calais – Edward Allen Leavitt Sr., 69, passed away peacefully Friday, April 3, 2015 at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor with his family by his side. Ed was born in Calais on June 10, 1945, son of the late Jesse Bassford and Melissa Leavitt. During high school he enlisted in the Army National Guard. Following his training he returned home to complete his high school education, graduating from Calais Memorial High School Class of 1965. On October 12, 1963, he married his sweetheart, Mary Eileen McLaughlin. Ed worked as a laborer for Good’s Garage and Steadman’s Garage until starting his career with Georgia Pacific, retiring from Domtar in 2006. Ed also retired from the Army National Guard in the late 1980’s as a S/Sgt with over 24 years of service. He was a member of Sherman Bros. Post #3 American Legion in Calais, and the Quarter Century Club. Ed was an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and taking day trips with his wife and exploring back roads. His most memorable moments where those spent with his family. In addition to his parents Ed was predeceased by his grandparents Charles and Maude Leavitt; a brother Earl Bassford; son-in-law Kyle Cox; and three nephews, Wayne and Tim Leavitt, and Jayson Hovey. Surviving are his loving wife of 51 years, Eileen Leavitt; four children, Sherry Leavitt-Cox and companion Scott Corey of Dennysville, Edward Leavitt Jr. of Calais, Wendy Brownrigg and husband Paul of Tower Hill, NB, and Melanie Howard and husband Travis of Alexander; eight grandchildren, Rebecca Leavitt who Ed and Eileen raised, Zachary Edward Cox USMC, Wyatt Cox USMC, Nicholas, Sarah, Gage, and Kael Brownrigg, and Grace Howard; sisters, Dottie Perkins of NH, Sandra Styles and husband Jim of FL, Rhonda Rafferty and husband Chip of NH, Robin Scheffler and companion Kevin of WA, Sarah Bassford of WA, and Ann Bassord of WA; brothers Charlie Perkins of NH, Rodney Perkins of NH, Butch Bassford of CA, and Kelly Bassford of WA; sisters-in-law Pam Hovey and husband Brian of Rollingdam, NB, and Cindy Leslie of St. Stephen, NB; brother-in-law Jeff Scott and wife Diane of Saint John, NB; special nephews Danny, Ricky, and Billy Leavitt; a special cousin Donna (Soucie) Carter and her son B.J. Pope and numerous nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2015 at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais, where a celebration of Ed’s life will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 7. Burial will follow in Calais Cemetery with military honors. Donations in Ed’s memory may be made to the American Lung Assoc., 55 W. Wacker Dr., Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601.