ALBION – On Saturday, March 30, 2024, the town of Albion lost a treasured member of its community. Leland M. Bessey, the son of Clarence and Alice Bessey, passed away at a local hospital at the age of 96 after a brief period of declining health. He was a lifelong resident of Albion.

Leland was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army in World War II. Upon his return, he attended and graduated from Thomas College where he met fellow student Donna Andrews. Shortly after their graduation, they were married. Their beautiful love affair spanned more than 74 years together.

He and Donna were dairy farmers for several years early in their marriage. They both had fond memories of the farm and their labor of love tending to their cows. Later, he became a rural route carrier for the Postal Service, and in 1984 was appointed Postmaster for Albion.

Leland was a fixture in Albion, providing more than 27 years of service to his community as a Postal Service employee, Selectman, Volunteer Fire Dept member, and Boy Scout Local Committee member. When there was a meeting in Albion, Leland was in attendance and often in a leadership role. He loved his community, and they clearly loved him. His sense of duty and service was deeply ingrained.

A man of many passions and abilities, Leland and Donna’s home boasted his talents as a workman. When they built the home fifty years ago, Leland designed and created the cabinets, and was responsible for many of the finishing details, plumbing and electricity. He also crafted many pieces of furniture for them.

One year, he built a Grandfather clock for Donna as a surprise!

Leland had a small plane for many years and created an airstrip with his cousin, Jimmy. They enjoyed many years of flying the skies together.

Leland enjoyed restoring antique tractors, especially Farmall! He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying gardening, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and maple syrup tapping and processing over many years.

He was a member of Kennebec River Rovers Good Sam RV Club for many years and served as its President. He and Donna loved to take their travel trailer and “hit the road” with friends to travel the United States together. In their later years, they spent half of the year in Bushnell, Florida enjoying their retirement with friends from Maine and elsewhere. He was also a member of Fairfield United Methodist Church.

The consummate, caring gentleman, Leland was a role model and mentor for many who knew him. His playfulness and sense of humor was a side of Leland that was especially loved by younger family members. He is survived by his wife, Donna, sister Evelyn and several nieces and nephews. All will miss him terribly. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary.

His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure to so many.

The family wishes to thank the friends and neighbors who were there for Leland and Donna over the past several years, providing cookies, meals, companionship and caring, mowing the lawn and plowing the driveway. Every act of kindness from these generous people meant so much to both Leland and Donna. The family is also appreciative of the wonderful care he received from Northern Light Inland Hospital and Lovejoy Health Center.

Spring graveside services and celebration of life for Leland will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.



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