Garfield Plantation --- Wendell F. Gillis, 74, passed away suddenly Sunday, November 21, 2021. He was born September 4, 1947, in Ashland, a son of the late Olean (York) Eastman and stepson of the late Clyde Eastman Sr.

Wendell worked many years for former PM Kelly as a lumber truck driver and with Moosewood Millworks as foreman. Even after his retirement, just to "keep busy," he continued to work for Maine Woods as a shuttle truck driver. He took great pride in his work and saw every task to its perfection. His dedicated work ethic was engrained into his children and grandchildren.

Wendell was the long-time First Selectman for Garfield Plantation and continually served his community as the town's plow truck driver for many years. His perseverance persisted throughout the winter as he perfectly cleared snow and ice from the roads, and had many grateful town folk compliment him often. Wendell was well known also for his orange hunting hat, which he insisted wearing all year long, no matter what season.  His passion was hunting.  November was his favorite month of the year. Wendell's favorite pastime was walking and playing with his beloved dog, Jacob, commonly seen driving into town in the red Jeep with his dog in the passenger seat every morning. He certainly cherished being able to enjoy the serenity working on and around his beloved camp.

He is survived by: his beloved wife, Barbara (O'Clair) Gillis of Garfield Plt.; two children, Lori-Ann Chandler of Presque Isle and W. "Greg" Gillis and his wife Shelly of Ashland; a stepdaughter, Courtney Levesque and her husband Jason of Garfield Plt.; five siblings, Polly Harvey and her husband Ron of Ft. Fairfield, Susan McHatten and her husband Kendall of Mapleton, Clyde Eastman Jr. and his wife Susan of Masardis, Lori Lee McKenzie of Presque isle, and Jim Eastman of Garfield Plt.; ten grandchildren, Christopher, Charly-Rae, Jordan Alice, Chase, Alex, Rachel, Cody, Tyler, Cayleigh & Averie; ten great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his mother and stepfather, Wendell was predeceased by two sisters, Anne Casey and Jennie MacDonald.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Union Congregational Church, Sheridan Rd., Ashland. Relatives and friends may greet the family Saturday at 1 PM until the time of service at the church. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St./PO Box 39, Ashland.