Ellsworth

Albert Arthur Lounder, 81 passed away at his home October 7, 2021, with his adoring family by his side. Albert was born on April 6, 1940, the first of five children born to Albert and Winifred Lounder.

Albert grew up on Hancock Point. He met the love of his life, Jeanette Awalt, in 1957. Following their graduation from Sumner and Ellsworth High Schools in 1958, they married and began their lives together, settling into their new home in West Ellsworth where they raised their family. Over four decades later, this location would become known to countless locals and visitors alike seeking out the most delicious fresh blueberries grown in downeast Maine. This is the place they called home for over 60 years. Albert defined his life largely by devotion to family, friends, and work. He believed success through these devotions defined a life well-lived. He succeeded on all accounts. He initiated his journey at the tender age of 15, with his learning permit in hand and a paid licensee in the passenger seat of his first truck, he hauled materials to Bangor to support the construction of new military airstrip known as Dow Field. He worked for himself his entire life, supported by many who were the beneficiaries of his association and friendship. He worked for many years as an independent logger in the vast forestlands above the Airline in northern Hancock County. His feats of endurance and strength remain a subject of local lore. As his young family grew, his insistent wife convinced him he should slow down and consider a career change involving something less than a 90-hour work week. He wisely yielded (Jeanette is a powerful force) and bought a power equipment sales and service business in 1972. He moved the business known as Lounder Power Equipment to Ellsworth Falls and operated the enterprise until 1983. He adjusted to having Sundays off and those times were filled with many family fishing and outdoor adventures. His work devotions carried him indoors for a time, but he stayed in close contact with the woods, fields, and waters he loved so dearly. The serenity of the woods and opportunity for peaceful reflection they provide eventually called him back. He undertook a wide range of hardwood and softwood harvesting operations in downeast Maine over the next 30 years. He was beset by a few open-heart surgeries in the mid-1990s, but he didn’t let such inconveniences keep him idle for long. Following the turn of the century, he entered a phase of his work life relying a bit more on mind over muscle. He shared his expertise and uncanny ability to accurately measure the value of standing forest inventories in cooperation with a large forestry enterprise with a footprint throughout eastern Maine. His stumpage counts were commercially relied upon as more accurate than those generated by others with advanced degrees and professional licenses. Concurrent with his days as a forestry ridge runner, he used his yankee ingenuity to add value to the Maine wild blueberry – an enterprise for which he became best known and admired. The Lounder Blueberries processing and sales enterprise was founded around the turn of the century. It was operated for 20 years and recently transferred to an admired and trusted successor family at the same location. His approach to this enterprise reflected his belief in self-reliance. Why rely on outside contractors when you can train yourself to do the job he would say. While the fruits of his labor were revered by thousands, the highest beneficiaries were his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and many friends who had the privilege of working at his side. His devotion to craft, commitment to accomplishment, and leadership by example will endure in all of those lucky enough to experience their association with him. Along life’s journey, usually following the strong urging of those closest to him, he would take some time away for personal pursuits. His leisure travels took him to destinations including Hawaii, Alaska, Florida, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, numerous Caribbean Islands, the Canadian Maritimes, and Labrador. He was particularly fond of the brook trout that he brought home from northern Labrador, which weighed over 11 pounds.

Albert is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Jeanette, their three children, Teri Bach and her husband Tim, Greg and his wife Trudy and Scott and his wife Holly; seven grandchildren, Lauren and Nicole Linscott, Sam and Olivia Lounder, Taylor Lounder, Jenna Bell and Chelsea Lounder; one great grandchild, Alex Thompson. He will be missed by his siblings Elizabeth, Manley and Herbert along with their families, brothers-in-law Jim Singletary, Gary Dougan and sister-in-law Pam Lounder, and many other family members and friends. Albert is predeceased by his parents beloved parents Albert and Winifred and sister Andrea.

Honey/Dad/Grampa we salute a life well lived. A life well lived. We bid adieu until we reunite another day.

A memorial service will be held 11AM, October 23, 2021, at the Hancock Grammar School, 33 Cemetery Road, Hancock

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Albert’s memory may be made to Pine Tree Camp, 114 Pine Tree Camp Road, Rome, ME 04963

Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St. Ellsworth 04605

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com