MILLINOCKET - Gordon J. McCauslin, 59, died unexpectedly at his home, Monday, May 14, 2007. He was born on February 6, 1948, in Hartland, the son of John and Marjorie (Gardner) McCauslin, Jr.

Gordon was a graduate of Stearns High School, Class of 1966, and attended Paul Smith College, New York, where he studied restaurant management. He then returned to Millinocket and worked for Great Northern Paper Co., in various positions. He began as a river driver, then worked as a mechanic in the woodlands, and spent the last several years of his employment in the human resources department, where he became a manager. Upon leaving Great Northern, Gordon owned and operated Trails End Diner, now known as the Appalachian Trail Cafe.

Anyone who knew Gordon was familiar with his dedication to principle, and for his ability to stand his ground when he knew he was right, whatever the political consequences.

An ardent outdoor sportsman, Gordon was President of the local Fin & Feather Club, and was the recipient of the 2002 Adrian Batson Award. He fought gallantly against gate fees and other battles to benefit outdoorsmen. He was also an ardent supporter of the First Amendment. He served on the Millinocket Town Council.

He was one of the original petition committee members of Millinocket's 2004 "anti-Wilderness Society" petition, which was a success, as was the referendum itself, with the opponents of The Wilderness Society winning by a large margin, in large part due to Gordon and his outspokenness.

Gordon was a participant, and past director of the Millincket Players. He also sang in the Millinocket Baptist Church choir, and with Dot and the Has Beens.

He was a kind man and a good friend, and our community will miss him greatly.

In addition to his mother, Marjorie McCauslin of Millinocket, Gordon is survived by his wife of four years, Pamela A. (Sytsma) McCauslin of Millinocket; a son, Lucas McCauslin of Worcester, Massachusetts; four stepchildren: Lee Traw and his wife, Laura, of Portland, Oregon, Jamie Braun and her husband, Ron, of Kansas City, Kansas, Kara Heitmann of Millinocket, and Kimberly Heitmann of Quebec; a brother, Scott McCauslin of Boston; a sister, Janice Watson and her husband, Bill, of Tallahassee, Florida; five grandchildren: James Carter, Brianna, Keeley, Logan, and Kallie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Gordon was predeceased by his father, John McCauslin Jr. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 17 at Millinocket Baptist Church, 297 Penobscot Avenue, Millinocket, with the Rev. Rudy Homchuck, pastor, officiating. Private interment will be at Millinocket Cemetery.

Gifts in memory of Gordon may be sent to the American Heart Association, Northeast Affiliate, Inc., 343 Gorham Road, South Portland, ME 04106-2317. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.lamsonfh.com.