Vernon Thomas Wark

He was the son of Mona Mullin Wark and Thomas Sherman Wark.

He graduated from Caribou High School in 1944 and served in the US Army Infantry during WWII. Vernon was employed by the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad for 38 years in many capacities most notably as a Foreman at several of B&A’s Mechanical centers throughout Maine (his first Foreman assignment was at the young age of 22). He initially settled in Smyrna Mills with his family where he was known to head out in the middle of many dark wintry nights to deal with a derailment. His final 16 years with the company was in Millinocket as Foreman of their busiest depot. He always felt grateful to have a job that he enjoyed getting up every day and going to. After retirement, him and his wife Lillian headed off on an adventurous months long trip and saw the country from east to west on the Amtrak car train (loved that long trip). Then they became snowbirds for the next couple of decades and wintered in Zephyrhills, FL where you would find him golfing or just riding around in his golf cart willing to help out with community projects. Ultimately they remained year around in the Bangor area where they could live closer to family as they got older.

He loved to be involved with and talk Politics especially when he could get his “liberal” children all riled up. He loved History and was a voracious reader. He was forever a builder tackling any job big or small with expertise, perfection and humor. He used his love of carpentry as a way to care for his family and was always looking for another project to help his children and grandchildren with. Never one to sit idle… even in his late 70’s we found him building a porch addition onto his house.

Ultimately, there is nothing he loved more than his family… he was dedicated to each and every one of us. He is survived by his wife Lillian Wilson Wark of Brewer, son Thomas Wark of Millinocket, daughter Linda Wark of Belgrade, son Ken Wark & wife Sherryll of Old Town, stepdaughter Judy Blanchette of New Hampshire, daughter Cheri Miceli & husband Aldo of Pennsylvania, stepson Jim Anderson & wife Lisa of Eddington. The 13 grandchildren that he loved so much… William Tewksbury of Belgrade, Jarod Ambrose of Portland, Rob Miller of New Hampshire, Dan Miller of North Berwick, Erica Blanchette Hinds of Florida, Heather McLaughlin of Old Town, Katie Sancuk of Pennsylvania, Mitch Wark of York, Matthew Wark of Freeport, Andy Wark of East Millinocket, Evan Miceli of Australia, Emily Wark of Old Town, Adam Miceli of Australia. Last but not least are the great grandchildren… Gabby Miller, Lili Miller, Raelyn Wark, Adrian Wark. Vernon is also survived by his brother Lloyd Wark & wife Gilda who reside in Georgia. Vernon was predeceased by his parents and one son named Steven Wark.

A special Thank You to the Bangor Veterans Home for taking such good care of our beloved husband, father, (Papa), Grandpa during his last few months. The family asks in lieu of flowers - donations could be made to the MaineVets.org/Donate – Bangor Resident Activities Fund.

At his request there will be no calling hours or service. His burial at the Millinocket Cemetery will be private.