In Memory of Austin M. Jones

Happy Birthday Austin

2010-10-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

Many memories and much love today, October 12, Dad's birthday.
The dock and the boat are in. The garden's put to bed.
The leaves are changing. You taught us well....

KC Joins Austin

2010-06-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

It is only fitting that a photo of KC be added to the collection here, after leaving the homestead to find his final resting place. We are sure he is tending the heavenly gardens at Austin's side, while keeping an eye on 7 Tree Pond.

KC on the dock, July 2008

New Pictures

2010-05-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

This is a Chestnut tree (July 2002) in full bloom in Dexter, Maine, sent by Chris Wolfe. Chris and Austin were great friends working together on the Appalachian Trail for 15 years.

Gorgeous!!

And here's a candid shot, discovered recently while Ms. Blogger was looking for a picture of her mother-in-law :-) Picture taken in June 1977, at the aforementioned Blogger's wedding.

Remembering Austin, One Year Later

2010-01-15T08:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome back, and thank you for visiting this site again, especially today. In addition to the articles and pictures already here, we are providing two new texts for reflection. Please feel free to leave comments for us if you wish--we'd love to hear from you.

The first poem below is in Austin's workshop with a collection of correspondence and notes. The second one was discovered by chance.

THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the
water, and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with
forethought of grief.
I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light.
For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

— Wendell Berry

GOOD TIMBER

The tree that never had to fight,
For sun and sky and air and light,
But stood out on the open plain,
And always got it’s share of rain,

Never became a forest king,
But lives and dies a scrawny thing.
The man who never had to toil,
To gain and farm his patch of soil,
Who never had to win his share,
Of sun and sky and light and air,
Never became a manly man,

But lived and died as he began.
Good timber does not grow in ease,
The stronger the wind, the stronger trees
The farther sky, the greater the length
The more the storm, the more the strength,
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In tree and men good timbers grow.

Where thickest lies the forest growth
We find the patriarchs of both.
And they hold counsel with the stars
Whose broken branches show the scars
This is the common law of life.

—Douglas Malloch

Austin was surely a man of good timber.

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Happy Birthday Austin!

2009-10-09T21:39:00.000-07:00

A short spin on the sparkling waters of 7 Tree Pond in honor of your upcoming birthday on October 12.

A few candid shots from May 30

2009-07-08T20:40:00.001-07:00

You can click on most images to enlarge them.

Gary Weed, Austin's nephew

Chet Weed and John Thomas (Austin's brother-in-law)

Nikki Thomas, (Austin's sister) Cheryl Thomas, Bunny Weed

Photo from deck to gardens

Lakeview Cemetery, Union Maine Military Stone

Austin's mother's stone (Johnson) and Austin's stone with loon.

Pictures from May 30

2009-06-03T19:42:00.001-07:00

The approaching storm, which fortunately held off until everyone was back at the Jones' house.

View of the departing storm from the Jones' deck.

If you look hard, you might see the double rainbow.

Austin's Memorial Stone

2009-06-03T19:34:00.001-07:00

Celebration at the Old Town House, May 30

2009-05-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

There will be more entries here as we receive them.

Here is the poem read by Alex (Austin's grandson).

High Flight

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untresspassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee

No 412 squadron, RCAF

Killed 11 December 1941

Memorial Gathering in Union

2009-05-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

A memorial gathering to celebrate the life of Austin M. Jones will be held Saturday, May 30, 2009, at 2:00 pm. The location is the Old Town House on Rt. 235/ Town House Road in Union, Maine, just north of the Union Common.

Appalachian Trail Photos

2009-04-24T19:04:00.001-07:00

AT Trip 3 Coopers Brook, Maine

Austin in front of the lean-to, Potowadjo Springs, Maine

15 year Appalachian Trail Volunteers Pam and Austin

A Few More Pictures

2009-03-31T18:48:00.000-07:00

From the Bernhards/Perkins Collection. You can click on the picture to make it larger. Use the back arrow to return or you may end up leaving the page.

Gotta love those cars!

Above, wedding anniversary, June 23, 197?????

50th Anniversary, June 23, 2001

Austin, Norma, Pat, Laura, Robin, ? , John

Tribute to Austin by the Maine Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation

2009-03-22T18:04:00.000-07:00

Glen Rea let us know that the Maine Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation has a new website that has a nice tribute to Austin on it. Click on the link below to get to their webpage, and then click on Austin's picture to read the article and chapter members' recollections of times with Austin.

http://www.me-acf.org/ME-TACF_lite/Home.html

Thanks, Glen!

Union Historical Society Newsletter Article

2009-02-28T20:16:00.000-08:00

This article appeared in a recent issue of the Union Historical Society's newsletter. Click on the image to enlarge it.

Chestnut Foundation Pictures

2009-02-27T17:56:00.000-08:00

The pictures in this entry come from Amy Campbell, who knew Austin from the Chestnut Foundation.

In her email to Pam, Amy wrote:

"...I enjoyed so much knowing your dad. He and his dedication and hard work were a true inspiration for me. We worked any number of times on different projects, and one time he led me into the woods at the height of hunting season to measure several newly-located trees. I don't remember why we had to do it just then, but he provided me with enough orange so I was practically day-glo! It was quite the experience! I will miss him very much."

"Walk Within You," a Poem by Nicholas Evans

2009-02-10T15:42:00.000-08:00

Norma and Austin, at separate times, found this poem moving. Each wrote a copy and gave it to the other.

Walk Within You

If I be the first of us to die,
Let grief not blacken long your sky.

Be bold yet modest in your grieving.
There is a change but not a leaving.

For just as death is part of life,
The dead live on forever in the living.
And all the gathered riches of our journey,
The moments shared, the mysteries explored,
The steady layering of intimacy stored,

The things that made us laugh or weep or sing,
The joy of sunlit snow or first unfurling of the spring,

The wordless language of look and touch,
The knowing,
Each giving and each taking,
These are not flowers that fade,
Nor trees that fall and crumble,
Nor are they stone,

For even stone cannot the wind and rain withstand
And mighty mountain peaks in time reduce to sand.

What we were, we are.
What we had, we have.
A conjoined past imperishably present.

So when you walk the woods where once we walked together
And scan in vain the dappled bank beside you for my shadow,

Or pause where we always did upon the hill to gaze across the land,
And spotting something, reach by habit for my hand,

And finding none, feel sorrow start to steal upon you,

Be still.
Clear your eyes.
Breathe.

Listen for my footfall in your heart.
I am not gone but merely walk within you.

Taken from The Smoke Jumper, by Nicholas Evans

Family Pictures

2009-02-09T19:44:00.000-08:00

Click on an individual picture to enlarge it. The picture will appear in a separate window. Use the back arrow in your browser to return to this page.

Austin "Moose" Jones

Down at the pond with Pat and John Perkins

Pam and Austin at the pond.

Reflecting on 7 Tree Pond

Austin, Laura, Norma, and Linda

Towards the back: Steve, Austin, Laura, Alex, Robin, Kris, and Norma

In front: Linda, Mariana, and Jamie (the dog!)

Austin and one of his chestnut trees, 2005

Austin, Norma, and K.C.
Father's Day, June 2004

Austin takes Phyllis Lennon and Norma for a spin
Labor Day, 2004

Christmas, 2004

Austin holds a basket of hand-crafted jewelry pouches

while Norma displays ribbons from the Union Fair

Austin, Andy Schuh (Laura's son) and Norma
Andy's wedding in San Diego

Laura, Austin, and Andy

Cheers!

Linda, Steve, Norma, Austin, Mariana

Austin and Norma in San Diego

Pam, Laura, Andy, Norma, Austin, Linda, Steve and Alex

Pictures

2009-02-02T18:32:00.000-08:00

From the Bangor Daily News, January 19, 2008

2009-02-02T18:28:00.000-08:00

UNION - Austin Millard Jones, 80, died peacefully Jan. 15, 2009, at home, of pancreatic cancer. He was born Oct. 12, 1928, in Natick, Mass. The family moved to Hallowell, where Austin graduated from Cony High School and went on to Bates College on a full scholarship, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in history-government in 1950. It was there he met Norma Reese and they married in 1951.

After Austin fulfilled his military requirements in the Army, he joined the Central Intelligence Agency, CIA, Washington, D.C., and completed rigorous training in the Clandestine Service. He spent most of his 30-year CIA career as a technical operations officer, and had expertise in paramilitary operations, demolition, explosives, weaponry and operational technical support and management. He traveled and served in many parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa.

When Austin retired in 1981, he and Norma moved to their property on Seven Tree Pond, Union, where they tamed 25 acres of overgrowth, had a house built, created and maintained vegetable, flower and rose gardens, planted birch, evergreen and fruit trees, and established a grove of American chestnut trees. Active in the local community, Austin was well known for his volunteer activities that benefited the town of Union, including regular attendance at the bi-weekly town selectmen's meetings. He was often seen tending the plantings on the Common.

Austin was a member of the town Conservation Commission, the 911 Street Naming Committee and on the Water Advisory Committee for Aqua Maine. He was a ballot clerk for many years and a lifetime member of Union Historical Society. He volunteered as a local loon count coordinator for the Maine Audubon Society in the '80s and '90s. Austin was an avid and active member of the American Chestnut Foundation of Maine and spent many hours planting, harvesting and propagating American chestnut trees with other members of the foundation in their effort to bring the blighted tree back to its former glory. He was a dedicated 15-year volunteer with the Maine Appalachian Trail Club, maintaining trails, building bridges and shelters with a group of L.L. Bean employees, including his daughter, Pam.

A practicing conservationist, Austin supported the Georges River Land Trust and put a conservation easement on his land because he strongly believed in the preservation and stewardship of the natural environment. Austin enjoyed gardening, boating, bird watching, hiking and camping. He and Norma were active in square dancing clubs in the area.

Austin is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Norma; three daughters, Pam Jones of Brunswick, Linda Garces and husband, Stephen Garces, of Merrimack, NH and Laura Schuh of Chantilly, Va.; and five grandchildren, Andrew and Robin Schuh, Alexander, Kristian and Mariana Garces, all of whom he was very proud. He leaves two sisters, Claire Weed and her husband, Chester, of Farmingdale; and Enid Thomas and her husband, John, of Norwich, Conn.; several nieces and nephews.

Graveside memorial services for Austin will be held at a later date at Lakeview Cemetery, Union. Donations in his memory may be made to the Maine Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation, care of Glen Rea, 231 Buck St., Bangor, ME 04401, Kno-Wal-Lin Home Care and Hospice, Inc., 170 Pleasant St., Rockland, ME 04841 or Vose Library New Building Fund, P.O. Box 734, Union, ME 04862. Cremation provided by Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, Belfast.

Guest Book Entries

2009-02-02T18:26:00.000-08:00

If you would like to make an entry in the Guest Book, scroll to the bottom of this page to the Post a Comment box. Type your entry there, and we'll move it to make it an 'official' entry.

Guest Book for
Austin M. Jones

February 14, 2009

To Austin, my brother,

Knowing you, through visits, letters and phone conversations has enriched my life. From our childhood days until your departure I have always loved you for your goodness, loving disposition and honorable lifestyle.

Love forever from your sister,
Nikki

February 11, 2009

Grandpa,

I wrote a short comment when I first viewed your obituary, but want to express myself a little better.

You were always the man I admired most in my life; your presence demanded respect, yet you quietly made us feel safe and so loved.

I would always brag to my friends, "My grandpa is the smartest man in the world. He knows all the answers in Trivial Pursuit." I admired your intelligence and think of you each time I play a trivia game or watch Jeopardy.

Your snappy comments and comebacks would make me crack up at the dinner table. I remember Grandma saying once, "These string beans are delicious, if I do say so myself." You came back with, "why should you say so yourself?", and for some reason it made me laugh so hard.

I am so thankful Andy and I were able to spend summers with you and Grandma when we were little...I remember the loon festivals, the starry nights on the deck, camping on your land, and 4am fishing trips. I remember watching you leave for square dancing, and remember making you a loon cake on your anniversary, so eager to please you.

I will never forget you, and I know you will be in my thoughts daily. We will take care of Grandma and her girls. You have led us well.

Love you and miss you so much,

Robin

February 10, 2009

Dear Jones family,

Although I never had the pleasure and honor of meeting Mr. Jones, I feel I know much of him through my many conversations with Pam. Quite honestly, I am not sure if I ever had a personal discussion with her where his activities and involvement did not come up. His many life accomplishments and activities are significant and impressive. Maybe most impressive were his parenting abilities highlighted through his children. Pam, your friends and colleagues on many continents share in your loss and we hope your memories of your father will comfort you through this difficult time. You are always in our thoughts.

Gary Long (Traverse City, MI)

February 8, 2009

Dear Norma and family,

We were saddened when Sonya told us the news about Austin. I was quite impressed with his accomplishments in life. He was such a great person and will be missed by all. My only regret is that we could not have spent more time together. Take care. With Love, David & Carol

David & Carol Weed (Elizabeth, WV)

February 2, 2009

Wally:

We went through an arduous training in 1950 of 22 weeks the highlight was 12 weeks at Fort Benning including airborne. We were a small group but hung in and passed successfully. We had our first tour on Saipan with wives and were able bond and develop a relationship. Later in life after retiremnet renewed this friendship and visited once a year in Maine. I was always impressed by your civic duties and interest in the natural beauties of Maine in particulay the Chestnut tree. Had a lovely visit last summer(08) at your place and myself and Colette were shocked by the news of your early demise. You were a good friend and companian. Will miss and think of you often.

Charles LORD (OAKTON)

February 1, 2009

We were very sorry to read of Austin's recent passing. My condolences to Norma and the girls. It's been a number of years since I saw you but I will always have fond memories. You should be very proud of Austin and the way he lived life and set an example for others. Take care and God bless.

Sonya (Weed) Berry & Family (Fayette, ME)

January 27, 2009

Grandpa was a most ideal family patriarch: strong, wise, loving and attentive. It was completely apparent that he loved his family. The family he so adeptly nurtured & raised returned this love. I am truly grateful that I was able to meet this great man. I will never forget him and keep his memory close to my heart.

Mary L (Milford, NH)

January 27, 2009

Grandpa we all miss the strong, wise, unselfish man you are. You have inspired us with your hard work ethic and taught us to love and respect nature. I will always remember the late night fishing, the last sunset boat rides on the lake, the fast rides on water skis, and dumping me when we went tubing. You allowed everyone to fully enjoy your own slice of heaven in Maine. Everyone loses when America loses a patriot, but we are all better off having the gift of you in our lives. Thank you for the last 25 years, you will always have a prominent place in our hearts.

Alex Garces (Milford, NH)

January 27, 2009

Austin -Today, an eagle flew over your house, loons were making plans to return to Seven Tree Pond, Canada Geese criss-crossed the sky, the bird feeders were busy, and tonight Cayotes will call out. KC still makes sure those pesky turkeys and deer visiting your orchard know who's the boss! Inside your home it's warm and safe. Many who pass your place will always observe and exclaim "what a beautiful place they have". This place, they will learn, is where a leader helped shape Union's future. You personified what living in Union is all about, and all it should be for future generations to come. Soon, the sweet warm wind that helps open new leaves on your Chestnuts will continue to flap The Flag that forever stands proudly in your front yard. You and I met one last time, and your kind words will remain with me always to help guide me forever. You were everything and more that my children could expect from a Grandfather. We will be spending a lot of time with Grandma. I miss you and love you.

Steve Garces (Merrimack, NH)

January 25, 2009

Grampa, you would have loved the inauguration. Barack and his family were so beautiful and proud and the weather in D.C was perfect. The greatest part was watching Bush leave in his helicopter to return to Texas. Everyone misses you so much, not just your family and friends, but also the trees and the loons and the Appalachian Mountains too. Love forever, your Marina

Mariana Garces (Merrimack, NH)

January 25, 2009

Love you, miss you, wish I could've seen you sooner.

Kristian Garces

January 23, 2009

Norma & family: Bunny called this a.m. and told me of Austin's passing. I'm thankful he's no longer suffering; I'll always remember the many times we spent around your table and enjoyed the hospitality of you both! May you be comforted by knowing so many will miss him!

Love, Jeanne

Jeanne Murch (Cocoa, FL)

January 22, 2009

Dear Norma and family,I first met Austin (and you) at an annual meeting of the Maine Chestnut Foundation annual meeting in 2000 at Poland Springs. Over the years our friendship grew and I learned what an outstanding person he was. I remember how you were always there at his side at our various functions - helping him out. He had an active mind and was so dependable and I held him in high esteem. He gave encouragement to his fellow "chestnutters" and his enthusiasm and knowledge encouraged us in our quest to return the American chestnut to the woods of Maine. He will be missed greatly, but he will be remembered with respect and appreciation.

Glen Rea (Bangor, ME)

January 20, 2009

Pam; my thoughts go out to you and your family. May your memories sustain you thru the coming days... In sympathy and friendship, Jill L

Jill Litchfield (Durham, ME)

January 20, 2009

I miss you, Grandpa :(

Robin Schuh (Oceanside, CA)

January 20, 2009

Dear Jones family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Austin was a wonderful man and I enjoyed picking blue berries last summer and walking around yuor beautiful home. May God bless and comfort you.
Michelle Lord

Michelle Lord (Oakton, VA)