John G. Miles

John G. Miles, 75
HOLLIS -- John G. Miles, 75, of Haley Road, Hollis, died on Sunday, May 22, 2011, at Maine Medical Center after a brief illness.
John was born in Hollis to Jerrold and Flora (Grant) Miles. He was married twice, most recently to Linda Mains of Buxton for 21 years. They raised two daughters, Connie and Lisa, who fondly remember as children, the Saturday morning pajama arithmetic and backyard sledding - later coaching teenage drivers, and snowblowing paths on the neighborhood ice field. Outdoor chores such as stacking wood and shoveling snow are now fondly remembered as peaceful time spent with a friend who whistled while he worked. John proudly became a grandfather in 1991 to Erica, then to Shannon in 1994. The girls recall word game challenges and his appreciation for a well-made fluffernutter sandwich. He never missed a concert or dance recital and has their autographed programs to prove it.
John worked for Saco River and Standish Telephone companies, Rogers Fibre and Reece Corp. in Gorham, retiring in 2001 to work part-time for Pleasant Hill Excavators. He briefly served in the National Guard, volunteered at the Hollis Center Fire Department where he was elected chief in 1978. He also volunteered as Responder/EMT for Bar Mills Rescue for more than 10 years.
John spent free time with the Golden Eagles Motorcycle Club riding his signature Honda Gold Wing which he has owned for 20 years. Another pastime was following a karaoke group to their latest event. John loved country music and would proudly tell you about meeting such artists as Martina McBride, Mike Preston and the family of William Lee Golden. He would always be there for benefit dances for good causes. Meanwhile, those who stopped to listen would hear one of his many stories, jokes or poems. You would find him most often at the Station House Restaurant in Hollis catching up with friends over coffee and pumpkin pie while reading horoscopes to the staff who were like his second family.
John was predeceased by his parents, Jerrold and Flora (Grant) Miles; a loving aunt, Janet Miles, who raised him and his sisters throughout childhood; and an infant daughter, Cindy Miles. He is survived by daughters Connie (Miles) Sides and husband Michael of Windham, and Lisa Miles of Holly Springs, N.C.; granddaughters Erica Jill and Shannon Grace Sides, also of Windham; sisters Joan Mitchell of Buxton, Dorothy and Ron Albert of New Gloucester; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial visiting hours will be held on Thursday evening, May 26, from 5-7 p.m., at the Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, located on the corners of Rts 202 and 4A (13 Portland Rd.) in Buxton (Bar Mills). A private burial will be held at a later date. www.dcpate.com.
If you choose to make a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers, John's family suggests:
Day-One (Hollis Program)
525 Main St.
South Portland, Maine 04106
(Main office)
John G. Miles