Bar Harbor
Lester E. Bunker, Jr., 97, died June 20, 2012 in Bangor. He was born August 22, 1914 in Franklin, the son of Lester Earl and Florence (Low) Bunker, Sr.
He graduated from Franklin High School in 1932. He worked as a restaurant cook and at other jobs before being employed at Jackson Laboratory in the lab’s early days in the mid 1930’s. Lester served as a laboratory technician in the U.S. Army from 1942-1946, stationed at Fort Devens, MA. After he returned to the Jackson Laboratory he met his wife, Helen Elizabeth Parker and they married in 1947.
He attended Bowdoin College, and graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 1951 with a BS degree in zoology. He later received his master’s degree in histology while working at the Jackson Laboratory as the chief of the histology department and a research assistant.
He was a member of St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church, which he served as a vestry member and in other capacities including church treasurer. Lester served on the Bar Harbor Town Warrant Committee. He was a member of the committee which planned the development of housing for senior citizens in Bar Harbor, leading to the construction of the Malvern Belmont Estates. Lester was also a former member of Sigmi Xi scientific research society and the MDI Rod and Gun Club. Lester was a man of great kindness, patience, humor, and tolerance. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his son, John Bunker and wife, Ruth of Holden; daughter, Cheryl Bunker and husband, John Foster of Newton, MA. ; four grandchildren, Elizabeth and Julie Bunker and Stephanie and Courtney Foster; two sisters, Vera Foss and Marjorie Getchell, both of Franklin and several nieces and nephews. Lester was predeceased by his wife Helen and a brother, Charles William Bunker.
Friends are invited to call 9:00-10:00AM, Saturday, June 23, 2012 at St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church, Bar Harbor, where funeral services will follow at 10:00AM. Burial will be at Ledgelawn Cemetery, Bar Harbor.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at the Maine Veterans Home in Bangor, especially the D Unit.
Contributions in Lester’s memory may be made to St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church, 41 Mt. Desert Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mt. Desert.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com