JERRY THOMAS FINDLEN

Fort Fairfield & Clinton – Jerry Thomas Findlen, 76, husband of the late Brenda L. (Barnes) Findlen, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, June 13, 2019, at his Clinton home. He was born May 24, 1943, in Fort Fairfield, the son of Thomas J. and Arlene (Cyr) Findlen. He was a 1961 graduate of Fort Fairfield High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Orono. Mr. Findlen began his long career as a vocal music teacher in school districts throughout Maine, including Bangor, Hampden, East Millinocket, Fort Kent, and Washburn until his retirement in 2003. He also farmed potatoes on Green Ridge in Fort Fairfield and served as general manager of WKZX 950AM in Presque Isle during his career. He was a member of the Fort Fairfield Alumni Association, the Fort Fairfield Music Supporters, the Caribou Choral Society, the Frontier Heritage Society, the Washburn Teachers Association, the Maine MusicTeachers Association, the Maine Educators Association, the National Educators Association, and Music Education National Conference. A lifelong teacher, Jerry was an avid reader with a personal library to match, a season ticket holder at the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, and widely known for his extensive genealogical research, which took him to libraries throughout New England, Canada, and Europe. In addition to his parents, Jerry was predeceased by his wife Brenda on May 20, 2003. He is survived by one son, Sean Thomas Findlen of Lewiston; two sisters, Elizabeth Findlen Walsh of Bridgeport, Conn., Kay Findlen Freeman and her husband Greg of Portage Lake; and several nieces and nephews. Services will be announced at a later date by the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in memory of Mr. Findlen to Fort Fairfield Alumni Association, P.O. Box 201, Fort Fairfield, Maine 04742. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gibersondorseyfuneralhome.com