BUXTON- Leo B. Groder, 85, of Haines Meadow Road in Buxton, passed away at home surrounded by his family on November 28, 2014. He was the beloved husband of Joann Bradeen Groder. They were married for 46 years.
Leo was born on May 6,1929 in Hollis, Maine to Thelma and Wilfred Groder. He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. For many years he co-owned and operated Preventative Maintenance, a truck repair business, in Portland. He was the Code Enforcement Officer in the Town of Buxton for 14 years.
Leo loved agricultural fairs, and for many years pulled draft horses with the Trundy family. He enjoyed spending time with his family, snowmobiling, gardening, and taking care of his animals and farm. He passed on his love of horses, in particular, to his daughter Cindy and granddaughter Kendra.
Leo did not have an easy childhood. He grew up on Opportunity Farm in Gray, Maine. He never complained, and it made him the practical, hard-working man he grew into. His time there gave him knowledge of farming, woodworking and mechanical work, and taught him the value of hard work and the importance of self-sufficiency, which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He had a quiet, wise way with advice, and a great sense of humor. He never turned anyone away - he was Dad and Papa to many people, too many to list, and he will be truly and deeply missed by them all.
Leo was predeceased by his parents, his brother Reggie, sister Darlene, and a nephew. He is survived by his wife, Joann, daughter Cynthia Groder Gorham and husband Keith J. Gorham Sr. of Buxton, and his stepchildren Edwin Brown and wife Chris of Gorham, Debbie Thombs and husband Don of Buxton, Cathy-Jo Brackett and husband Russell of Buxton, and Joel Brown and wife Patti of Limington. He is also survived by grandchildren Joann Gorham Bailey and husband Aaron of Buxton, Keith J. Gorham II and wife Connie of Anchorage, Alaska, Bryan J. Gorham of Manchester, Tennessee, Sara J. Gorham of Portland, Kendra L. Gorham of Buxton, Jennifer Roghelia Webber and husband Chris, and Michael Roghelia and wife Cecil, all of Windham, William J. Brackett of Buxton, Matthew Brown of Portland and Justin Brown and wife Melanie of Gorham. He had nine great grandchildren - Brianna and Kaitlyn Webber, William R. and Jaden Brackett, Stephanie and Makayla Roghelia, Aubree Gorham, and Leo and Lillian Bailey. Leo is also survived by a special cousin, Polly Foye, and several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his best buddy, his black lab, Cody. The family thanks grandson William J. Brackett for the help he gave Joann and Leo in the last year.
At Leo's request, there will be no services.
"Every man dies, but not every man truly lives" - William Wallace
Arrangements are with Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, 498 Long Plains Road, Buxton. Online condolence messages can be submitted to www.mainefuneral.com
Leo taught us all to live. We ask that you go out and do something nice for someone in his name, or if you choose to make a memorial donation, please consider the Buxton Food Co-op, 262 Haines Meadow Road, Buxton, Maine 04093
.