Barry F. Knowles, 78, of Hermon, ME passed over on February 1, 2016 after a very brief
battle with lung cancer. He was born in Dover-Foxcroft, ME on August 16, 1937 to Leona M. (Deag) Knowles and Crosby N. Knowles.

He was the youngest in a family of thirteen. He grew up in the Brownville and Milo areas, and was a proud graduate of Brownville Junction High School, class of 1955. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the “Cold War”, serving from 1955 to 1965.

In 1967, he started working at New England Telephone as a splicer and was a construction foreman upon his retirement in 1987. He then worked at Northern Line Construction until he suffered a stroke in 1989. After his stroke, Barry fought hard to recover and eventually was able to live a long, meaningful life for another 27 years.

Barry was a dedicated Mason, and lived its principles every day. His Masonic journey included membership in Ralph J. Pollard A.F. & A.M. lodge # 217 of Orrington, ME; Royal Arch Masons St. Croix Chapter #17 of Calais, ME; Hugh De Payens Commandery, Knights Templar #15 of Calais, ME; Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Bangor and Portland; Anah Shrine; Bangor/Brewer Shrine Club; Old Town/Orono Shrine Club; and the Tri-County Shrine Club. He was a lifelong member of the Anah Provost Guard and served as the Provost Marshal of the unit.

He was active in veterans’ affairs and was Past Commander of the Arnold R. Kelly American Legion Post #200, in Hermon, ME. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion, and member of Disabled American Veterans, John F. Kennedy post #6, in Bangor, ME. He was also a very active volunteer with the Maine Troop Greeters program at Bangor International Airport. He was a member of the 40 & 8 Society #427 of Bangor, ME. He was also a member of the Independent Telecommunications Pioneer Association. He and his wife, Gladys, spent several years as volunteers at Eastern Maine Medical Center, and with the Bangor Area Stroke Support group. He was a member of the Brownville Junction High School Alumni Association. In 1998, Barry was honored by the American Heart Association as Stroke Survivor of the Year. The award was presented at the University of New Hampshire with a large contingent of his family present.

Barry married his wife Gladys (Butler) of Hermon, ME on August 19, 1978. They were married for nearly 38 years, and enjoyed many adventures, but most especially traveling to bluegrass shows all over New England.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Arthur and Norman; and sisters Patricia Day and Phyllis Chambers. He is survived by his wife Gladys; brothers Reginald and Ronald; and sisters Yvonne Hartford and Joanne Day; plus many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by the following:

Son Barry F. Knowles, Jr., and wife Melanie of Belfast, ME.
Granddaughter Megan J. Knowles, and fiance’ Brian Monahan, and great grandson Cameron A. Monahan of Ellsworth, ME.
Gradndaughter Haley L. Knowles, and fiance’ Brandon Maguire of Winslow, ME.
Son Gerald L. Knowles and wife Andrea of Raleigh, NC.
Grandson Josh L. Knowles, of Standish, ME.
Daughter Lori Hicks, and husband Alan of Georgetown, KY.
Grandson Jonathan, and wife Kelly Hicks of Kentucky, and great grandson Owen, and great granddaughter Aurora.
Grandson Travis Hicks, of Kentucky.
Daughter Diana Bullard, and husband Brian of Wiscasset, ME.
Grandson Ben Olmstead, of Wiscasset.
Daughter Deborah Bozeman, and partner Anthony of Hampstead, NC.
Granddaughter Nicole Corson and partner David, of Georgia, and great granddaughters Kaylie and Alana, of Georgia.
Granddaughter Ashley King and husband Kevin, of Georgia.
Granddaughter Michelle Buchanan, and husband Chris, of North Carolina, and great granddaughters Alijah and Camryn, of North Carolina.
Daughter Brenda Potter and husband Darryl, of Sharon, VT.
Granddaughter Miranda, and partner Geoff Conrad, of Vermont.
Great granddaughter Maura Jade, of Vermont.
Granddaughter Georgia Anne, and partner Mitchell Durkee, of Vermont.
Granddaughter Samantha Renehan, of Vermont.
Daughter Jill Galen, and husband Stephen, of Levant, ME.
Granddaughter Heather Norris, and husband Brad, of Corinna, ME., and great grandsons Caleb Carroll, and Tucker; great granddaughter Shevlin, of Corinna, ME.
Granddaughter Hillary Kennedy, and husband Glen, of Levant, ME., and great grandson Cullen, and great granddaughters Kylie, Amelia, and Mackenna, of Levant, ME.

In lieu of flowers, Barry asked for donations to be sent to Anah Shrine Center (c/o
Shriners Childrens Hospital), 1404 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401.
A springtime interment will be held at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta, ME.
Family and friends are encouraged to gather at the Hermon Rescue building, Billings
Road, Hermon, on Saturday, February 6, 2016, starting at noon, to share a memory, shed
a tear, or perhaps even enjoy a laugh. A Masonic service will be held at 1 pm

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