SIDNEY - Otis Zalmon Bacon, 87, passed away peacefully Feb. 5, 2008, completely surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness. He was born Dec. 3, 1920, in Boston, son of Zalmon R. and Janet (Grant) Bacon. Otis grew up in Sidney, walking to school each day with a hot potato to warm his hands and his lunch later at school. He graduated from Williams High School and went on to the University of Maine at Orono, to graduate with the Class of 1943 as a mechanical engineer. He served as town manager of Guilford for two years, and then went to work for Kennebec Water Power Co., serving 30 plus years as chief engineer controlling the Kennebec until his retirement in 1984. He served in the 99th legislature. He was first president of Sidney Parent Teacher's Club at James H. Bean School when it was newly built. He saved the lives of an elderly couple from their burning home when driving by. Soon after, he donated the land and most of the lumber and helped start Sidney's first fire department. He was president of The Kennebec Valley Mental Health Association for several years during construction of the new building at Thayer Campus, where there is a corner block dedicated to his service. He served on the founding board of Kennebec Valley Vocational School. He served on the board of the first Montessori School in this area. He was an active member of the University of Maine Alumni Association, Class of 1943, where he served as treasurer. He was also a member of the University Alumni Foundation and followed all sporting events closely. He was also involved in many other community services and events too numerous to list. Otis will be remembered for his work ethic, wonderful sense of humor, ability to tell a story, and will be greatly missed by many cherished family and friends. He thoroughly enjoyed family and looked forward to his next visit with friends in the kitchen by the cook stove. Hunting and fishing were an integral part of his life and he found great enjoyment sharing his knowledge with his children and grandchildren. Boating and skiing were an important part of his very complete life. His boat, the Pair-A-Dice encompassed many fond memories on Moosehead Lake and as the mayor of "Friendly Squaw Mountain" the skiers were part of his family. All the kids would quickly line up for his free hot chocolate and famous "Mayor's Breakfast." His woodpile was never below eye level and his garden was always bountiful. His weekly trips to Greenville were treasured visits with whomever he encountered along his way to Indian Hill Grocery Store. Following the activities of his family was important to him and he engrained in everyone around him to work hard and play hard. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Kay (Gilbert) Bacon; his brother, Earl and wife, Pauline; five children, daughter, Brenda of Sidney, son, Bryan and wife, Gwen, of Sidney, son, Barry and Arlene of Belgrade, daughter, Bonnie Bouchard of Greenville, daughter, Bette DiAngelo and husband, Joe, of Greenville. He has nine cherished grandchildren, Nick and Adam, Danny and Theresa, Dylan and Olivia, Tony, Matt and Connor; a niece, Linda; several grandnieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and a nephew, Billy. Friends may share time and stories with his family tonight from 6-8 p.m. Thursday and 2-4 p.m. Friday at Wheeler's Funeral Home, Oakland. The Mass to celebrate his wonderful life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, Oakland. There will be a memorial service to be announced in Greenville and a spring burial, with a gathering after at the family garage in Sidney, at his request. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations to Sawtelle Cemetery Association, Henry Bacon, 1417 Pond Road, Sidney, ME 04330.

--Published in the Bangor [Maine] Daily News