Lewis “Sonny” Ernest Bachelder (1931-2017)

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Lewis “Sonny” Ernest Bachelder

AUBURN – Lewis “Sonny” Ernest Bachelder, 85, of Kingfield, died peacefully surrounded by family at the Hospice House in Auburn on Sunday, April 23, 2017.

He was born to Moses and Emmaline (Harding) on Dec. 25, 1931 in Langtown Plantation.

At the age of 17 he met the love of his life on a double date with his brother, Junior and Ruby’s sister, Mary. How he would laugh, when he told of going on a trip to Old Orchard Beach the two brothers and two sisters. On the way home trying to figure out how to pay for the gas to get back home, Ruby pulled money out of her bra. Junior looked at Sonny and asked, “How did we get this far and you didn’t know that was in her bra?” At the age of eighteen, he married the love of his life, Ruby Althea Hinkley on Jan. 7, 1950.

Sonny loved to hunt, fish and work in the woods. Storytelling is one of the amazing gifts which Sonny enjoyed sharing with those who would listen. Over the years, he and Ruby built several homes. They filled their home with their five children, cousins, and grandchildren. Often times taking in family who were in need of a place to call home. He worked with many different woodsman over the years, by far his favorite was to be working side by side with his four sons. He built B n B Auto with his oldest son, Ricky in Freeman Maine, later selling it to his second son, Lloyd.

Over the years he worked in the woods as a lumberman, mechanic in the local shoe shop, and mechanic in his own garage in Freeman.

He is survived by, sons, Ricky Bachelder and his wife Florence of Kingfield, Lloyd Bachelder and his wife Rachel of Freeman, Terry Bachelder and his wife Kathy of Rome, Roger Bachelder and wife Jeannie of Winterport, favorite daughter, and only begotten daughter, Nancy R Bachelder of Winterport, along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, Moses and Emmaline Bachelder, wife; Ruby, and siblings, Catherine (Marston) Edwards, Earle Marston, Jennie (Marston) Chamberline, Moses Bachelder Jr., Olive (Marston) St Onge, Mildred (Marston) Herrick, Orri Bachelder, George Bachelder, Myrtle Bachelder, Onel Bachelder, Patrick “Pat” Marsten, Edward Marsten, and Dothea “Dot” (Bachelder) Tyler.

Sonny’s family would like to thank all the family and friends who have supported them in this difficult time. A special thank you to Sandy River Nursing Home for their care of Lewis during his time living with them, and when he visited while Ruby was a resident at the nursing home. Thank you also to the Hospice Home in Auburn, Maine.

Remembrance gifts may be given to the Veteran’s organization of your choice. Tributes and condolences maybe shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

A public memorial graveside service will be held on Saturday, April, 29, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Sunnyside Cemetery (Route 27, Kingfield) with Rev. John Gensel officiating. Please come with one of Sonny’s stories in mind and consider sharing with the family. There is no better way to memorialize this amazing story teller, than to tell one of his stories to those who love him. Cremation and memorial graveside service arrangements are in the care of the Cremation Care Division of Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.

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7 Comments

  1. Thinking of and praying for the whole family as you go through this He will be missed.

  2. Lew and Ruby were hard workers and very kind. I remember him being the mechanic in the Shoe Shop and Ruby worked in the Stitching Room. R I P and be with Ruby.

  3. Sonny (Lewis) was a good man and will be missed. Thinking and praying for his children at this time.

  4. I am sorry about Lewis he was a fine man I will miss him at sandy river I liked talking to him every day r I was house keeping he always had something good to talk about will miss rip Lewis I will miss u

  5. Nancy and family, Duck and I am so sorry about the passing of your dad. Duck said he remembered hauling the wood your dad cut when he worked for M and H logging.. our thoughts and prayers to you all..

  6. Thank you to each one of you who kindly remember my father. I appreciate the love and support. He was an amazing man. I drove him crazy at times, being his only daughter. There was a different set of rules for me than my brothers, as “You are a girl.” Giggle…. like I didn’t know that or something.

    Although I know my parents are together and enjoying each other again. I miss them both terrible. My heart feels as if it is breaking.

    I will miss going to see Dad each weekend. Thanking him stemmed clams, or going out to eat at the “White Elephant.”… it was his favorite place to get fried clams…..

    I was honored to spend the last night with him in the Hospice house. I bought stemmed clams, hoping he would wake up enough to have at least the taste of one. He did not wake up and I sat and ate them myself. Today I have a bottle of clam juice sitting next to my bed, I bought it along with the steamers incase he just wanted a little of the juice. He loved the clam juice as much as the clams.

    My Dad did open his eyes and interact with me when I arrived at the Hospice house last Saturday. He thought I was my mom and called me “Mother” then told her/me “I love you.”…. later he recognized me and called me by name… “Nancy” I am very very glad to have had those last few hours with him.

    The hospice house along with Dr. Hart did a great job medicating him and easing his pain. So he went from interacting with family, and being able to get up that Saturday evening, to passing quitely while; Ricky, Florence, Terry, Roger and I were near by.

    I am also extremely thankful my son, Aaron Kitzo made it to be with me during this time of my most intense grief yet of my life.

    It is my desire to start an annual family get together to honor my parents and enjoy the family we have left. I have started a facebook group, if you are interrested in joining the group please private message me. https://www.facebook.com/Bachelder

  7. Lewis was a funny funny man. Everytime​ he came into visit Ruby, he would always give us candy and always had a smile on his face. I’m very sad to hear he has passed. I often thought of him and his family. My deepest condolences to his family. He was a ray of sunshine when you were having a bad day. Always a joke and a smile and candy :) rip Lewis <3

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