Ross Conley

AUGUSTA – Ross Conley, 86, of Augusta, passed away peacefully Feb. 7, 2024, with his son John Conley by his side.

Ross grew up in West Gardiner on his family farm off Outer High Street where he started working at a young age maintaining the farm. While learning many traits, he was introduced to wood harvesting; cutting trees down into logs and firewood with hand saws and axes, stripping bark off by hand and twitching logs with horses and oxen. Although it was hard work, this is where he grew his passion to continue in the wood harvesting industry.

After working for a few local loggers, he went on to establish one of the first logging and firewood companies in the North Augusta area, known as Ross “Conley Logging” that he owned and operated for many years until he retired. As a well-respected “selective wood-choppah” he built a great business with long-lasting friendships, loyal customers, local foresters, pulp mills, truck drivers and all his fellow wood-choppahs.

He was an active contributing member of the Small Woodlot Owners Association of Maine. His goal was to preserve the land and the trees for future growth so future generations could enjoy Maine’s natural forests and beauty. Ross generously donated 25 acres of the family farm he grew up on to the Town of West Gardiner. Throughout the years, he meticulously maintained and selectively cut the land which featured large, well-manicured pine, and hardwood trees, ultimately ensuring its preservation for future generations.

He was outgoing, friendly and willing to help people, he especially enjoyed helping elderly folks that were in greater need. Ross loved his great state of Maine so much he never left the state. He loved nature and being outside, he enjoyed various activities; ATVing, swimming, sightseeing and outdoor photography. He especially enjoyed sports and sponsored a men’s Augusta-Rec softball team named Conley’s Logging.

He was predeceased by his wife, Frances Conley; mother, Molly Conley; daughter, Diane Boucher; and granddaughter, Melanie Liscomb.

He is survived by his very dear friend, Barbara Lovering; son, John Conley; grandson, Zaden Conley; stepdaughter, Linda Liscomb and husband, Tim Liscomb; grandchildren, Adam Liscomb and family; Aaron Liscomb and family; Amy Liscomb; Ryan Boucher and family; Ross Boucher, Alex Boucher; and several great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life for Ross will take place this coming spring with family and friends. Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com