Owen Snowden Mills

WINSLOW -- Owen S. Mills, 38, of Belgrade and Winslow, was granted peace, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010, after a long and heroic battle with cancer. Loving friends and family were present and helped Owen through his journey.

He was born in Waterville on Dec. 30, 1971, son of Ronald P. Mills and Rebecca L. Cayer. He attended Belgrade and Oakland schools and graduated from Messalonskee High School in 1990. He attended the University of Maine and attained his associate degree from the University of Maine at Augusta. He worked for UPS and L.L. Bean as well as Cayer Security Services, among many other positions.

"O," as many people lovingly called him, had several passions, most favorably fishing. He had a wealth of friends who could tell stories of his adventures on the many lakes he frequented in Maine. Owen gained skills in the automotive field that he learned from his father. He was often tinkering on snowmobiles and cars in the garage.

Owen married Andrea Ellsworth on May 10, 1997. Two years later, they welcomed a son, Avery Ronald Mills. Owen was the proudest Dad. Avery was his everyday joy and strength. He was an active father even during his illness. He wanted to share in every detail of Avery's life and his greatest joy in being a father was "watching Avery grow up and seeing how helpful and strong he is now, even at 10."

After several years of separation, Owen and Andrea rekindled their love for one another. The last year was spent enjoying life to the fullest: a Florida vacation, cottage rental on Great Pond and a special family wedding.

Owen is also survived by his sister, Jacqueline Mills Bouchard and brother-in-law Stephen J. Bouchard, as well as nephews Brenden and Jacob Bouchard, of Belgrade; maternal grandparents Lionel and Kathleen Cayer, of Fairfield; parents-in-law Ronald and Josie Ellsworth, of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia; sister-in-law Renee Ellsworth, of Calgary, Alberta; and several special aunts, uncles, cousins and friends too numerous to list.

Owen was predeceased by his parents, Rebecca Cayer Mills and Ronald P. Mills; as well as his paternal grandparents, Snowden and Rosalind Mills.

There will be a celebration of his life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Blessed Hope Church on 10 Pleasant St. in Waterville, officiated by Dr. Timothy Setzer. A luncheon reception will follow at the Family Life Center of Blessed Hope Church, where a special presentation will be shared. Interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery in Belgrade later in the spring.

Special thanks go to Bekah and Lori, and other caregivers who shared time with Owen and gave him a better quality of life. Owen also looked forward to his Friday Big G's lunch dates with Aunt Cindy and family. Owen and Andrea also appreciate all the support shared by her co-workers from the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care to help her stay home with Owen and Avery.

In lieu of flowers, Owen requested a memorial fund to be established at Blessed Hope Church, P.O. Box 473, Waterville, ME 04903, in appreciation of the love and support he received. His desire was to share that love to those in need.

Arrangements are under the care of Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, ME 04901.