Austin H. Wilkins

Dear Priscilla and Family,
Uncle Wilkie was a legend in the forestry industry but more importantly a legend in his own family. My father, John L. Woodside, attended the Norton reunions faithfully and always commented on the fact that Uncle Wilkie was there. I always remember that he and Aunt Evelyn took the time at Christmas to send a gift to the five Woodside children. Family was so important to him. I was introduced to his daughter, Priscilla, by my great Aunt Bub (Elizabeth, the...

Uncle Wilkie was a true family hero, not withstanding his terrific accomplishments in forestry, his church, and community. My dad died when I was 11 years old, and he provided the fatherly figure missing in my life. He married my Aunt Evelyn (my mother's sister), and remained interested in all of our lives for his entire life. He took me personally to cut down my first Christmas tree, a memory that is still present after all these years. He encouraged me to attend the Univ. of Maine, his alma...

Uncle Wilkie - (my Mom's Uncle actually) Loved dearly and an inspiration to everyone in his family. He is and forever will be one of the most positive and encouraging people I know. A mentor and friend to so many. Reading through all his accomplishments, some I knew of some I didn't , all bespoke of his love for life, people, the state of Maine and her forests and especially his committment and his leadership in looking after the 10 million acres of timber he so dearly loved for all to...

Uncle Wilkie was a wonderful man and loved by his entire family. He married my grandmother's sister and attended the Norton Reunions faithfully. With the leaves turning color reminds me of how Uncle Wilkie was the one who started to have the state report on the changing of the colors. He missed his first reunion this year and we all missed him. He will now be taking care of the bigger forest. We miss you Uncle Wilkie. Alice, John and family.

Though I do not know Uncle Wilkie very well, my father spoke very highly of him all of my life. I remember seeing him at the annual family reunion with my grandparents on occasion and reading about him and his career a number of times in the KJ. The Norton family will miss him dearly.

Austin was sweet and his charm touched my heart. It's easy to tell he was a wonderful man by the love he received from his family.

Austin was the sweetest man at Gray Birtch, I will miss holding his hand.