Harley Melvin Arthers

LINCOLN - Harley Melvin Arthers, age 82, of Lincoln passed on July 7th, 2014 at his home. The son of Lucien and Pauline (Fogg) Arthers, Harley was born in Lincoln, April 4, 1932, and grew up in East Winn, until moving to Lincoln in later years. He was married for 35 years, to his loving wife, Barbara (Whiting.)

After graduating from high school, in 1952, Harley entered the Army. After completing radio training at Fort Riley, Kansas, he was shipped to Germany, stationed with the 382nd Military Police Battalion, in Mannheim, during the Korean War. While there, his commander took notice of his artistic ability and promoted him to Battalion Draftsman in Kafertal, Germany, a position which allowed him to travel throughout Europe. Harley was a member of the local post 0077 American Legion in Lincoln.

Returning home, Harley was hired by Lincoln Pulp & Paper, as a pulp mill foreman for 38 years. Enjoying a side career as a taxidermist, Harley made many friends among fellow sportsmen. He believed that a mounted white-tailed buck was a way to pay homage to this magnificent creature.

Harley was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying deer, moose, bear and caribou hunting and fishing, throughout Maine, Michigan and Canada. A skilled bow hunter, Harley took the largest black bear in the State of Maine, in 1990. A full mount still stands in his living room keeping watch over Harley's recliner.

In 1991 he became reacquainted with a former classmate, Marion Morrison. She has been his loving companion and partner in life, for the last 23 years, enjoying summers together at their camp on Cold Stream Pond.

Harley is survived by 3 sons, 2 daughters, 7 grandsons, 4 granddaughters and 4 great-grandchildren: Harris "Butch" Arthers and his wife, Angela, from Lee, Maine, and their sons, Tony and his wife, Darcy and sons, Landon and Maddox, Nick and his wife Courtney, and Jake; Melody Nute, of Lee, Maine, her children, Mandy Flowers and her husband, Bryan, and their son, Bryson Harley, and her son, Lance Whittier and his fiancée, Vicki and their daughter, Harleigh; Scott Arthers and his wife, Shelly, of Springfield, Maine, and his children Rakel, Chris, Mike and Charlotte; Mark Arthers and his wife, Ginny and their children, Erin Arthers, and Stephen Arthers and his fiancée, Rhianna; and Velvet Hussey and fiancé, Reno Revana. He is also survived by his loving companion, Marion Morrison, and her 3 sons, one daughter, 4 grandsons, two granddaughters, and 10 great-grandchildren: Lewis Morrison and partner, Helen, of Guilford, and his children, Louie and his wife Amy and their children, Camden and Elin, Laurie Morrison and her sons, Brayden and Mason; Richard Morrison of Guilford; James Morrison and partner Kitten of Berwick, and his children, James Morrison and partner, Kara and his daughters, Jayden, Jessica Thurlow and husband, Mike and their children, Aydan, Ariana, and Arissa, and Morgan Morrison and Nina Morrison and partner, Zack of Deming, Washington, and her children, John Bjork and wife, Amanda and their children, Raegan and Carter, and George Thornton. He also leaves behind special friends, Lenny and Rossi of Lincoln, and special neighbor, Victoria Garnett. He is predeceased by his loving wife of 35 years, Barbara Whiting, his parents, and two brothers, Lucien Jr. and Randy. He is also predeceased by many good friends who were hunting and fishing companions and leaves behind many more.

This special poem written by Marion truly depicted Harley's spirit and and love of the outdoors and the family wanted it shared:

He is a Hunter

The step is halting

The eye is dimmed

He can no longer

Hear the deer walking

How many seasons can he remember?

How many deer?

But, he is a hunter and

This is what he will do

As long as he is able

Then he will join his many friends

Who have gone on before

And he will sit on a stand

In a different place...

Forever ~

Per request of Harley there will be no public viewing or funeral. A Celebration of Life will be held 3 p.m. Friday July 11, 2014, at 20 Morgan St., Lincoln. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Hospice of Eastern Maine, c/o Community Health and Counseling Services, 313 Enfield Rd., Lincoln, ME 04457. Those who wish may sign an online register and leave written condolences at www.clayfuneralhome.com.