Ronnie Lee Espling

ESPLING, Ronnie Lee, 62, ASHLAND, at Presque Isle, August 21, 2011. Arrangements are in the care of Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, Ashland.

ASHLAND – Ronnie Lee Espling, 62, died unexpectedly August 21, 2011, at a Presque Isle hospital. He was born in Caribou, July 22, 1949, the son of Gustaf Adolph and Melva (McBreairty) Espling.

Ronnie was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and was a member of the American Legion Post of Waterville. He was employed as a truck driver for most of his life, mostly in the lumber industry, either for himself or area logging companies.

Ronnie loved the outdoors, whether hunting, fishing or at his camp at Squa Pan. Family was of utmost importance to him, and he just adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren

In addition to his mother of Caribou, he is survived by his wife of 26 years, Sandra (Suitor) Espling of Ashland; one son, Ronnie Espling, Jr. of Ashland; one daughter, Michelle Daigle and husband, Donald of Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada; three stepdaughters: Dawn Cookson of Newport, Michelle Clark and husband, Jeff of Garfield, and Tracy Howes of Strafford, NH; one stepson, Guy Howes of Ashland; two sisters: Shelly Thompson of Caribou and Brenda Sleeper of Mass.; 15 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

In addition to his father, he was predeceased by one brother, Paul Espling; and one sister, Donna Jonkoff.

A graveside committal service was held at the Maine Veterans Cemetery on Friday, August 26. Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the American Cancer Society, Northern New England Region, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086. Arrangements are a service of Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St., Ashland. To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com