Atkinson – Melvin George Ames Sr., 91, passed peacefully September 13, 2020, at home with his loving wife of 73 years, Betty (Boober), by his side. He was born November 17, 1928, in Derby, the son of Russell W. and Sadie R. (Tarr) Ames. Mel graduated from Foxcroft Academy, Class of 1946. He loved his woods and his family, and worked as a woodsman all his life. He became a professional forester in 1976. Some of his many accomplishments and roles include: County Commissioner of Piscataquis County, a State Plumbing Inspector, Town Selectman for Sebec and Atkinson, member of the Baxter State Park Scientific Forestry Committee, member of the Maine Woodsman Association, and member of the Piscataquis Conservation Committee. Mel proudly started the Wood Harvest Program at Charleston Correctional Facility and worked there for 12 ½ years before retiring and returning to work in his own beloved woods. In addition to his wife, Betty, Mel is survived by 7 children, Sheila Robertson, Rebecca Schultz, Melvin Ames Jr. and his wife, Pamela, Rosie Hews and her husband, Chris, Debbie Andrews and her husband, Calvin “Bim” Jr., Russell Ames and his wife, Penny, and Laurie Sheppard and her husband, Bill; son-in-law, Tony Zambrano; 2 brothers, Silas Ames Sr. and Dennis Ames; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Michelle Zambrano; 3 sons-in-law, James Robertson, Larry Schultz, and Timothy Harvey; sister, Priscilla Berberian; brother, Ronald Ames; a granddaughter; a grandson; and a great-granddaughter. A graveside committal service will be held for family at the North Atkinson Cemetery. An open barn will be held 1-4PM Saturday September 26, 2020, at Graywood Stables, 358 Range Road, Atkinson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Penquis Valley Schools, c/o MSAD 41, 20 Howland Road, LaGrange, ME 04453, for the school nurse budget. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.