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Arthur J. Lester III

FUNERAL HOME

Dolby, Blais & Segee - Windham Chapel

434 River Road

Windham, Maine

Arthur Lester Obituary

Arthur J. Lester III Dec. 9, 1944 - Aug. 7, 2008 RAYMOND -- Arthur J. Lester III, of Raymond, died unexpectedly Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008, while swimming from his boat on Jordan Bay. He was known by his many friends as 'Art' but to his family he was always 'Artie.' Born in 1944, he was a native of Virginia, where he grew up. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1967, and served at Tan Son Nhut Airbase in Vietnam. It was there that he received his meteorology training, which led to a lifelong fascination with the weather and other forces of nature. He worked for the National Weather Service for 37 years, 27 of them in Gray. Before settling in the Raymond area, he lived and worked in some uncommon but interesting locations. Among them was Barrow, Alaska on=2 0the Polar Ice Cap, Winnemucca, Nev., and Caribou. Art preferred the simple life. No glitz or glamour for him. His idea of a great time was hanging out with his friends, watching the Red Sox, sailing his boat and spending time with his longtime love, Lois Chase. An avid sports fan, he was active in Fantasy Football League, where he was the Commissioner more than once. His sense of humor was legendary. He was always ready with a quip or a joke. He has legions of friends who will cherish his memory. In fact, his friends were his family in Maine and his traveling companions on trips to Costa Rica and Spain. He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Rowena Lester. He is survived by his son, Jeremy Lester of Naples, his daughter, Jennifer Moore of Smithfield, Va.; and his beautiful grandchildren, Haley, Faith and Adam also of Smithfield. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Lester and his wife Vicki Burden, his sisters, Lindsay Brooks and her husband Chip and Frances Brake and her husband Thad. All his nieces and nephews loved their uncle Artie. He will be missed most of all by Lois Chase of Cape Elizabeth, the undisputed love of his life. A service will be held in Art's honor at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, at Bray's Brew Pub & Eatery, Naples. Dress is casual. Arrangements are by the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Rd., Windham.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on Aug. 9, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Lester

16 Entries

Pia & Perry Bibeau

August 27, 2008

We met Art through Lois Chase. We both worked for Lois back in the 1980's & 1990's @ American Red Cross. Art was a doll. Lois and he came out to our summer cottage on Long Island, ME a couple of times. We really enjoyed Art and his stories. We tried to make it to the memorial service;but the severe thunderstorm in Windham that afternoon stopped us. Lois, if you read this--please call us or email us. We tried to find your phone number and/or address and were unsuccessful. We also loved to listen to him on the radio and tv. He will be missed by many people!!

Lisa Burrows

August 16, 2008

I met Art at the Sebago Cafe and immediately felt at ease. He was funny, kind and gentle. His passing will be a huge hole in my and my friends life. Art, you are such a great guy and as Mariea says, we'll see you again someday and will definately look you up.

Bill Williams

August 15, 2008

Artie was great company and made everyone laugh. You could recognize that flat top haircut from a mile away. Here's to Artie.

Ronnie Pack

August 14, 2008

I have known and not known Artie since we were in Little League in Portsmouth Va and High School at Churchland. I havent seen him in 40 years and I still miss him. I have googled him and never found him. Just wanted to know what went on in his life. My deepest regards to Rich and the rest of Arties' family that I never knew. For the info of the family, there is a picture of Artie and his Little League team mates hanging in our restaurant in Smithfield. It will be there for a long time. Please come by and visit.

John Cannon

August 14, 2008

Art...we all miss you,

Art was in his typical pleasant mood during his last shift at the NWS in Gray as we chatted about the usual things (yes Art...the Red Sox continue to win ever since Manny left). He finished work at 10 pm that night with his true southern hospitality saying "see ya'll later, boys".

Well..."see you later Art - we miss you". As one of our co-workers stated after the news broke, remember to tell your family you love them before you leave for work each day. Good advice for all.

On a lighter note...Art...since you're now with a higher...all knowing authority...I hope you understand this disqualifies you from the annual snow pool this year.

Charlie Smith

August 13, 2008

Art and I shared birth places, he love of sailing and a darn good life.You'll be missed a keel full.

Sarah Herron

August 12, 2008

I met Art when he donated blood at the Portland Red Cross. He always had a great sense of humor.
My manager was Lois Chase, and my heart goes out to her in her loss of Art.
With deepest sympathy, Sarah

Scott Chick

August 12, 2008

I have worked with and shared many lunches with Art. I will miss his sports knowledge and current event news stories that he shared with the GYX lunch bunch and especially his verbal political jousting with our HMT and DAPM. He was quite a connoisseur of many types of music. He will be missed by many. Smooth sailing my friend and condolences to the family and vast number of friends who knew him well.

darlene glidden

August 11, 2008

Sorry, about A. J., I met him through
work at D.O.T., he was such a good
man and friend.

Eleanor Vallier-Talbot

August 11, 2008

Art was one of a kind. What a happy-go-lucky guy! But when it came to the job, he was one of the best. He was a riot on Rolling Thunder! Art was one of the "good guys" at PWM. I always smile when I think of Art.

We'll miss you, Art. May you sail on to fair seas and clear skies. My deepest sympathies to all of Art's family and friends.

Cheryl Readio

August 9, 2008

Godspeed Art,

Rolling Thunder and Lightning Strikes bowing teams... I was a control tower recruit from the other side of the airport asked to fill an empty space on one of the teams...this was my first experience with Art. I have never laughed so much or enjoyed a group more... I think Art was the heart of the silliness.

Art, I will miss your southern drawl when I call the office. You were one of the good guys.

Brenda Swann

August 9, 2008

Artie was one in a million and will be sorely missed by more people than he could have ever imagined. There are no words to express my thanks to God for Artie. Goodbye, old friend.

Karine Ettinger

August 9, 2008

I first met Art when he came to the Forecast Office in Portland. At that time, I was the secretary. He was always a gentleman in my presence and was usually smiling and good natured. I could always recognize that southern accent on the weather radio (after I retired). I'm glad he was part of my Weather Service life. He will be greatly missed by one and all.

davida willette

August 9, 2008

well art was the voice of NWS before technology took over with automatic voice. he was a great forcaster. he could have passed as a tv weatherman anyday but nws was his home. i chatted with art many times on the phone. he spurred my interest in weather especially the nasty weather that comes by every now and then. i want to send my deepest condolenses to the lester family.

Bob Backiel, Jr.

August 9, 2008

Art,
I grew up listening to you on NOAA weather radio with my father since I was born. So sorry to hear of your passing. You and your voice will be missed by NOAA and all who listened to you.

peter parker

August 9, 2008

peter parker

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