JOHN THOMAS LAKE, HOULTON – John Thomas Lake, 75, of Houlton, ME, passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday, September 23, 2017. He was a loving brother, uncle, father, and grandfather who will be missed terribly by all who knew his quick wit, generous soul and loving heart. He didn’t know a stranger.
John was born in Bellows Falls, VT, to Anna Mary and Asa J. Lake who precede him in death. John was lucky enough to have two mothers. His second mother Evangeline Lake (Lakey) also precedes him in death who we know is cooking him his favorites. He was preceded in death by his grandson Isaac Richard Brown who he is holding in heaven now.
He is survived by his daughters, Tara Phelan of Virginia Beach, VA, her husband Patrick M. Phelan Jr. and their son Landon, and stepson Nicholas, Shanna Brown of Virginia Beach, VA, her husband Jacob Brown and their son Asher. He also leaves behind sisters, Barbara Berghauser of Fairfield Glade, TN, Betty Burpy of Oakfield, ME, and Regina Thibodeau of Houlton, ME, and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dear friend Donna M. Maher of Houlton, ME.
John attended Houlton High, then in enlisted in the Army in 1960. He served in the Army for eight years. John deployed for two tours in Vietnam 1963-64 then later in 1966-67 when he was with the 196 light infantry brigade and was in Task force Oregon. John also served with the elite 82nd Airborne Infantry Division. He was honorably discharged in October 1968. He worked Civil Service at Norfolk Naval shipyard in Virginia and later at Kodak, ITT DELCO and VALEO in Rochester, NY, he wore many hats.
He had a love of riding Harleys, collecting coins, and carving ducks that he won many ribbons for with the Atlantic Wildfowl Guild.
A Memorial service will be held early April 2018. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name made payable to Vietnam Veterans or the Red Cross in c/o Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730 are a wonderful tribute. Online condolences and guest book: dunnfuneral.com
