Austin H. Wilkins

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Austin Wilkins Obituary

AUGUSTA -- Austin Horatio Wilkins, 102, of Augusta died on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005, at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation & Nursing Care at Gray Birch in Augusta.

He was born in Sommerville, Mass., on July 24, 1903, the son of William Austin and Angie (Williams) Wilkins.

He married Evelyn Norton on July 20, 1931. She preceded him in death.

Mr. Wilkins graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 1926 with a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma and won his "M" in track. In 1978, he received the Black Bear Award given by the University of Maine Alumni Association. In 2002, he received an honorary doctorate in humane letters from the University of Maine at Augusta. Austin received his master's degree in forestry from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. He studied forestry in Europe during his master's program under Dr. Carl A. Schenk. He was at Le Borget Field in Paris when Charles Lindburgh landed after his historic flight over the Atlantic Ocean.

He was employed by the Maine Forest Service for 44 consecutive years (1928-1972) and served under 13 governors. In 1958, he was appointed forest commissioner by Gov. Edmund Muskie and served in the position for 14 years until his retirement. Mr. Wilkins received many forestry awards and served as president of the National Association of State Foresters. He served as chairman of the Baxter State Park Authority and received citations from the U.S. Forest Service for forest-fire protection. He wrote numerous forestry articles for newspapers and magazines, was the author of a book titled "Ten Million Acres of Timber," and co-author of "A History of the Maine Civilian Conservation Corps 1933-1942."

He was a member of the Maine Arborists Association, the Northeastern Loggers Association, and a charter member of the Pine Tree State Arboretum. He was a 50-year member of the South Parish Congregational Church, where he served as deacon and Sunday school teacher. He was a Mason and received their Golden Membership Award in 1975. Austin devoted his life to his family and preserving the great forests of Maine. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his daughter, Priscilla Wilkins of Augusta; a son, Austin H. Wilkins Jr. and his wife, Sylvia, of Michigan City, Ind.; and two grandsons, Austin H. Wilkins III and John Mitchell Wilkins, both of Michigan City.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, at South Parish Congregational Church, Church Street, Augusta. A reception celebrating Austin's life will follow the service and will be held in the church's Margaret Grover Room. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, Augusta.

Memorial donations may be made to: Austin H. Wilkins Forestry Scholarship Fund, c/o Dean of the College of Forest Resources, University of Maine, Orono 04469-0125; or to: South Parish Congregational Church, Church Street, Augusta 04330.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta.

http://www.khrfuneral homes.com

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

Published by Kennebec Journal on Oct. 4, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Austin Wilkins

7 Entries

carmen woodside stratton

October 14, 2005

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 sister of Uncle Wilkie's wife, Evelyn,) many years ago. She and I are teachers as was Aunt Bub so we all had something in common. Reading Uncle Wilkie's obituary, I realize what a wonderful life he lived and experienced. I remember when he was interviewed on television about him being present when Charles Lindburgh landed in Paris. It was an exciting event for him and those who knew him. My father visited Uncle Wilkie often and I am sure they are busy talking with all the family members in the greener pastures we all look forward to going to. I exend my sympathy to the family and I salute a great individual. He will be missed by many but has left his imprint on this world. Carmen Woodside Stratton

Fred Pierce

October 8, 2005

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 mater, which I did. He was there for my graduation. I was a fraternity brother with his son, my cousin, at U of M. A recent great memory was to be present for his 100th birthday celebration at his church in Augusta. He truly was the positive influence in my life and a leader in a wonderful family. I remained in close contact with him throughout my life. My entire family will miss this wonderful man, but we know he is in an even better place now.

Fred W. Pierce (His nephew)

Michael J. Sherbak II

October 7, 2005

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 benefit from. I have a photo of him when he was 97 that I took at the Norton Family Reunion.. That great character and positive attitude and spirit shines all over his face ! That photo hung on my refrig for 5 years ! I looked at it every day. Kept in my mind how young I really was and how full life could be. He will be missed. But his spirit and inspiration will live in all of our hearts as always. We are all blessed to have known him.

Michael J Sherbak II P.E.

Captain Civil Engineer Corps United States Navy

Recalled to active duty and serving in and writing from Baghdad Iraq

John Blake

October 6, 2005

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.

Pamela Norton-Metten

October 5, 2005

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.

Sandy Welch, dietary aide

October 4, 2005

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.

Lisa Spencer CNA

October 4, 2005

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

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