Donald "bones" Ellis Obituary

Donald "bones" Ellis attended Houlton High School in Houlton, ME. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Donald "bones" Ellis.

Graduation Year	Class of 1953
Date of Passing	Sep 12, 2013
About	HOULTON - In the early morning hours of Sept. 12, 2013, Donald left this world with his wife and daughter by his side. He came into this world with his twin brother Arnold, on Aug. 20, 1935, to Kenneth and Alvean Jay Ellis, followed in 1937, by twin brothers Jerry and Jimmy. He was a graduate of Houlton High School in 1953 during which time he was active in sports and served with the Army National Guard. He graduated from Ricker College in 1957 after which he taught elementary school in Vanceboro for two years, returning to SAD No. 70 Elementary School as teaching principal and then as principal of Hodgdon Elementary School. At this time, Donald also coached the Junior High girls basketball team, to a number of state finals, bringing home trophies from several winning games. He was always there for his players, proud of their accomplishments, and helping them in any way needed. He greatly loved the art of umpiring softball, which played a big role in his sports calendar locally, as well as in several areas of the state. Needless to say, he was a great influence on students and players throughout his teaching career. Upon retiring from education, Donald went to work for the U.S. Government as a Customs Inspector for the next 18 years. Following this he continued to do maintenance and snow removal at the Orient Port of Entry. Donald was also very active in Orient town government both as Selectman and as a member of the Planning board. He was an active member of the Chiputneticook Lakes International Conservancy, CLIC, and was always ready to lend a hand with any project the Lake Association planned. For example, he combined his love for children with the stocking of salmon at East Grand Lake. This was evident by his placing of fish tanks and salmon eggs in various schools in the area. He then would have the students partake in the release of the salmon and then proceed to his cottage on East Grand Lake for a picnic lunch. He loved his cottage and spent many hours fishing on the lake both in summer and winter with family and friends. Donald was very active in both Rotary International and Knights of Columbus at various times in his life. Donald also shared a love for woodworking and designing crafts with his wife. They worked together on many items, one of these being an original Christmas ornament which was produced yearly and shared with many customers. He was a devout Catholic and always put his family first. Donald is deeply loved by his family, including his loving wife, Nancy, who has been by his side for 55 years; his son, Rick and Jennifer and grandchildren, Lauren, Ryan and Katie whose accomplishments brought him great joy; his daughter, Elen who has been his support and strength and Tony Quint. He is also greatly missed by his brother, Jerry and Marilyn; brother, Arnold and Marilyn; brother-in-law, Pete and Terry Gervais; along with several nieces and nephews. "Bones" will be missed by many lakeside friends and fishing buddies