Obituary of Albert Jackson

MORRILL Albert Sumner Jackson passed away peacefully on February 21, 2018 in his home in Morrill, Maine surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Montville, Maine on December 27, 1925, the only child of Alfred and Emma Jackson. He married Ruth Clark on October 20, 1944. In November of that same year, he entered the Army and following basic training, he served as a paratrooper with his Division in the South Pacific Campaign. He transferred to the 1st Cavalry Division at the time when this famous division was involved in the occupation of Japan. Albert's service involvement precluded him from being at home during significant events in his life, including the death of his mother and the birth of his daughter. He returned stateside in time to celebrate his daughter, Elaine's, first birthday. Albert's honorable service to his country was followed by a life of dedicated service to his family, his community and his state. He was an involved father, teaching his children the skills they would need to co-exist in harmony with Maine seasons. His children, and later, his grandchildren learned from him an appreciation for the land and wildlife of their native state. Each of his children inherited Albert's interest in not only preserving habitat but also in improving the special places in which they resided. Orchards of fruit trees, productive farmland and man-made ponds will exist for generations as part of Albert's legacy. Albert was a man who knew how to balance work and play. During his long and productive lifetime, he was involved in many occupations. When his children were young, Albert was a self-employed dairy farmer in Morrill. The children grew up knowing that a family worked together as a team performing chores on the farm. Among the rewards of this life on the farm was the existence of a wide variety of pets including a deer named Willy that Albert had brought home and raised after discovering it as an orphaned fawn. As his children grew older, Albert assumed employment with the State of Maine as a guard at the Maine State Prison. He continued with this position for many years, promoting to the position of Captain. Following his retirement from this employment, Albert assumed part-time employment with the Waldo County Sheriff's Office serving as a court security officer at the Waldo County Superior Court in Belfast. Known to be one upon whom civic duty could be entrusted, Albert served as tax collector for twenty-one years in his hometown of Morrill. Albert was a faithful member of the Morrill Baptist Church. Albert and Ruth built a cottage on the shores of Lake St George which afforded the family with many pleasurable summer seasons. Albert's grandchildren and great grandchildren continue to enjoy this special family retreat. The fall season was always a busy one in the Jackson household as Albert took on the role of guide for a small group of Massachusetts hunters who each year eagerly looked forward to enjoying the special camaraderie to be found at Albert's hunting camp beneath Frye Mountain. Albert was a man with a multitude of interests and hobbies. Bee-keeping, story telling, gardening, fishing, building things for the grandchildren, playing piano and guitar, and getting together with his regulars for the weekly poker night were only a few of his many interests. A high point of his later years included a trip to Washington D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial with his grandson Ryan who is also a veteran. Albert will be remembered as a man with a calm, friendly, easy-going demeanor. He was a man who took the good times along with the hard times. He set an example for his family for how to grieve after the loss of his wife, Ruth, to whom he had been married for seventy years, as well as the loss of his only daughter and his eldest grandchild. He also set an example for his family for how to live a life filled with joy. At age ninety, Albert fell in love with his sweetheart, Christine. Together "Al and Chris" set off on a great life adventure which saw them traveling to Hawaii to fulfill Albert's long-held dream of visiting Pearl Harbor. They next visited Ireland to fulfill yet another dream. This amazing couple, who complemented each other so perfectly, were married on Veteran's Day in November 2017 at the First Congregational Church in Belfast, joining not only themselves in marriage but also joining two long-time Morrill families, the Coxes and Jacksons. The many displays of devotion, love, and commitment shown between these two wonderful people will long live in our memories as a reminder that it is never too late in life to reach out for a star, grab hold, and take another joyous spin around the sun. Albert was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ruth and by their daughter Elaine Lacombe as well as by their grandson, Ricky Woods and his sister-in-law Jean Cunningham. He is survived by his children, Wayne and his partner Janice, Glenn, and Dean and wife Nancy and by his grandchildren, Kimberly, Heather, Heidi, Lara, Marissa, Carly, Graham, Ryan and Sarah. He is survived by 15 great- grandchildren. Albert was grateful to be gifted in the final years of his life with the love of his wife, Christine Hatch Cox, who survives him. Albert is also survived by Christine's children, James, Jon, Joel, and Jane and their families. The Jackson and Cox family wish to thank the community that surrounded Albert's final days with caring comfort and love. A special thank you is extended to Pastor Jim Culbertson who supported Albert and Christine through both happy and sad times. The family is also grateful to Waldo County Hospice for services that brought care and comfort. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 24th at Morrill Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, Belfast. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ripostafh.com.