Masardis--- Bruce R. Junkins, Sr., 75, passed away Monday morning, August 16, 2021, after courageously battling cancer to the very end. He was born May 27, 1946, in Presque Isle, a son of the late Laurel "Jake" and Mary "Natalie" (Hackett) Junkins, and he was a graduate and active alumni member of Lee Academy, Lee, ME.

Called by the Draft during Vietnam, Bruce enlisted into the US Army shortly after high school. He served in combat overseas during the war and earned his Honorable Discharge as a Spec5 in 1968. He continued his time and service with local veterans as a lifetime member with the Ashland VFW and the AmVets.

Bruce last worked as a forwarder/skidder operator for Nadeau Logging, Fort Kent and foreman for Sullivan Logging, Ashland. Previously, he worked several years as a mechanic and as an autobody repairman at former Silver's Garage, Presque Isle. His values of "service-over-self" shined through his Masardis community, where he was a 35-year member of the Masardis Volunteer Fire Department, assisted in many Search & Rescues throughout the North Maine Woods, and was a long-time member of Oxbow-Masardis Snowmobile Club.

He was a dedicated family man who prided himself in providing for his wife and sons, cherished passing on his strong values to his boys, and continues to live in the hearts of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bruce and his brothers always maintained a close kinship since childhood through many phone calls and visits to camp.

He is survived by: his loving and devoted wife of over 55 years, Diana (Sullivan) Junkins of Masardis; two sons, Bruce Junkins Jr. and his wife Melissa of Alfred and Brock Junkins and his wife Melanie of Presque Isle; two brothers, Dwight Junkins and his wife Candy of Ashland and Laurel Junkins and his wife Cheryl of New Haven, VT; four grandchildren, Tyler, Hayley, Connor and Callie; two great granddaughters, Maci and Emery; his mother-in-law, Margaret Sullivan; a close family friend, Herman Lewin; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents, Bruce was predeceased by one brother, Pearl Junkins.

Private interment for Bruce's family will occur in the fall; Bruce's favorite time of year. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruce's name may be made through: http://c-a-n-c-e-r.com/contributions/ . Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St./PO Box 39, Ashland.