Obituary of Reuben Walter Lumbra

Derby- Reuben Walter Lumbra, 85, passed peacefully at his home on June 3, 2017, surrounded by his loving family and exceptional caretakers who have become part of his family . In his final hours, the Patriots Super Bowl 51 played softly in the background while his team of children gathered at his bedside. Reuben was an incredible force in his family and in the community; a devoted family man and a respected businessman. He was a rare and treasured soul. 

Reuben was born September 24, 1931, in Montgomery, Vermont, the son of Oscar and Floris Lumbra. After graduating from Enosburg Falls High School, he served in the

Vermont National Guard. He was a First Class Sergeant in the United States Army when his unit was called up to serve during the Korean Conflict in 1951. He thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent overseas while in the 172nd Infantry Regiment at Warner Kaserne in Munich, Germany.  Upon his return in 1952, he started a sawmill and lumber business with his father Oscar Lumbra in Enosburg Falls, VT.  He married Janet Stebbins and had a family of 5 children when he moved to Maine. His family continued to grow and his business flourished through trials and tribulations.

O & R Lumbra, Inc. was re-established in Milo, Maine in 1960. The business was unfortunately lost to a fire within the first year. Oscar and Reuben pulled themselves up by the boot straps, rebuilt and moved forward. The father and son remained focused and achieved great success over time. The sawmill was relocated to the River Road in Milo after the first Milo mill burned.  Reuben went on to build a state of the art mill at this new location. His sons, Benny and Stephen, and his nephew, Roddy, proudly continue to operate Lumbra Hardwoods, Inc. Reuben remained interested in the business, providing guidance and support.

He served on numerous boards and committees: Governor McKernan’s Business Advisory Committee, a past commander of the American Legion in Vermont, member of the Republican Party Committee, Chairman of the Milo Water District,  member of the Knight’s of Columbus, Chairman of the Finance Committee of St. Francis-Xavier - St. Paul’s Parish Council, Board of Directors of the Milo Farmer’s Union, and especially enjoyed being with the boys of the 15 G Club.  His business received Maine Forest Product Council Manufacturer of the Year in 2015.

Reuben is survived by his amazing wife, Janet, with whom he shared 63 beautiful years, and their eight children: Carrie Lumbra and partner, Robert Page of Milo, Lynn Ricker and husband, Robert of Milo, Jaye Reid and husband, Shane of El Granada, California, Susan Saker and husband, Mohammad of N. Yarmouth, Benny Lumbra and wife, Linda of Sebec, Helen Bucci and partner, Bruce Giese of Campbell River, B.C., Ruth Welch and husband, Jerry of Bowdoin, and Stephen Lumbra and wife, Andrea of Lincoln. Reuben is survived by his sister, Geraldine Rublee, nephews, Roddy and Ricky Rublee and neice, Vikki Strout. Reuben was blessed with 16 grandchildren: Robert Ade, David Ricker, Michael and Leon Reid, Ameerah and Zach Saker, Cristy Strout, Casey Crocker, Sara Giesbrecht, Calvin and Kyle Geise, Emily and Luke Welch, Matthew Ludden, Jillian and Brodie Lumbra. He also has 15 great grandchildren.

Reuben was determined to live life to the fullest even after suffering a debilitating stroke in 2009. His perseverance and determination to remain at home was made possible by the dedicated and compassion of his caregivers: Debbie Sirois, Jean Tanguay, Sheryl Sevene, Faye Wisotzkey, Johanna Buck-Purdue, Mary Tinto, Cathy Mello and Jacqueline Wood.

Friends may call 5-7PM Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at the Lary Funeral Home, Milo. A memorial mass will be celebrated 11AM Thursday, June 8, 2017, at Sts. Francis Xavier and Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Milo, with Rev. Fr. Mark Nolette celebrant. Burial with military honors will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Milo. After the services, a reception for family and friends will be held at the Three Rivers Kiwanis Community Building. Donations in Reuben’s memory can be made to Maine Veteran’s Home, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, Maine 04401 or Maine Forest and Logging Museum, P.O. Box 104, Bradley, Maine 04411.  Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.