Milford Lochlin Savage

Born: Dec. 31, 1922 in Oakfield, Maine [Note: Document lists 1922 at the top, 1924 in text]
Died: April 12, 1986
Buried: Evergreen Cemetery, Houlton

Born in Oakfield on the last day of 1924, Milford joined a family of six older siblings, four sisters and two brothers. He was the baby of the family, and the others often reminded him of this fact. They and their parents lived in a small house that is still standing, and makes one wonder how nine people managed in such a cramped space. He grew up fishing and hunting, helping with the family’s chores, and arguing (usually good-naturedly) with his siblings. They were a family with strongly-held opinions and none was shy about expressing them.

After graduating from Oakfield High School in 1942, he joined the Maine State Guard Reserve. He was trained as an automotive mechanic and became a convoy commander. His list of responsibilities included supervising transportation for USO shows. After further training at Camp Wheeler in Georgia, in 1945 he qualified as a rifleman. He went on to serve in Luzon, Philippines, and was discharged in 1946, having earned the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. Upon leaving the military, he received $300 in mustering-out pay.

After his military stint, he joined the Maine Warden Service. He was stationed on the Maine-Canada border for a time, accompanied by his husky, Cheena. He spoke fondly of this time; he loved being outdoors and in law enforcement. One of the first times his future wife, Elinor Jane Brooks, remembers seeing him was when he was a guest speaker for a group of youngsters camping at Mattawamkeag Lake where he gave a talk on local wildlife. Thirteen-year-old Elinor was not overly impressed with the young man who was several years her senior.

Years later, Elinor changed her mind about Milford, and they were married and settled in Island Falls, where they raised their three daughters. He worked at several jobs, including as a lineman for Bee Line Cable TV when the cable business was just taking off in the area. He worked independently as a painter and carpenter in Island Falls. When he and Elinor bought the large Emerson house on Christian Hill, Milford had an opportunity to put these skills to work. They refurbished the old house with love and patience, and the home became a gathering place for family and friends. He took great pride in his handiwork.

In the ’70’s, Milford served the town of Island Falls as a law enforcement officer, and in 1978 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff for Aroostook County. As one can imagine, these two positions led to all sorts of adventures, some humorous, some deadly serious. He took it all in stride. On occasion, he teamed up with his sister, Eva Michaud, who worked for the Island Falls Ambulance Service. When they were not arguing, they made a terrific team.

Milford was a bit of a Renaissance Man, a jack-of-all-trades. He could spin a yarn, wire a house, make picture frames for his daughter’s paintings. He managed the lighting for some drama productions at Southern Aroostook Community School, and when the Whittier Congregational Church replaced its stained glass windows, he created treasures as the old windows got a second life as ornaments, planters, and suncatchers. He took a surveying course at what is now Eastern Maine Community College, served in the Maine Forest Service, and once baked a raspberry pie for town resident Paul Crabtree, although somehow managed to leave out the sugar. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and canoeing with his family, and was a long-time member of the Island Falls Fish and Game Club. And he never lost his delight in a rousing argument.

Family was central to Milford. He was always up for a get-together: lots of good food, siblings and their families, animated discussions. With his passing in the spring of 1986, Island Falls lost a dedicated citizen.