Leland E. Weeks Jr.

PORTLAND — Leland E. Weeks Jr., 82, of Raymond, died Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Maine Medical Center from complications from a fall. Lee continued to lead a full life even in his later years and was so courageous with his battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Lee was born in Lewiston in 1930, the son of Leland E. and Mildred Field Weeks. He grew up in Poland Spring and Norway and then graduated in 1949 from Norway High School.

Lee met his wife, Helen Palmer while attending Camp Hinds in Raymond. Helen was at the girls’ camp right next door. They celebrated 61 years of marriage. He served in the Marines during the Korean War and was stationed in Camp Lejeune, N.C., where he took pictures for the officers.

Lee and Helen raised their family in Portland. He started working at WGAN-TV as they were preparing to begin broadcasting as a cameraman and lighting technician for many years. He left WGAN to work at the family business — Palmer Spring Co. They moved to Raymond in 1972, and later built their retirement home on Sebago Lake. Lee retired as president of the company to enjoy many trips to Alaska and abroad.

He led a very active life involved in church, Boy Scouts, Portland Kiwanis, and Raymond Volunteer Rescue. He served on the Pine Tree Executive Board for the Boy Scouts and also achieved the highest award in scouting … The Silver Beaver Award.

Lee started taking pictures as a boy and always had a camera around his neck. He took pictures for Gorham Raceway and Cumberland Fair Grounds, as well as weddings and family portraits. He did the ski reports and took many pictures for Mt. Abram ski slopes in Locke Mills.

Lee was an avid skier, hunter, fisherman, hiker, Maine Guide and walked 4 miles every day walking his dogs. He loved the outdoors! Lee passed on his passion for skiing to his children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.

Lee devoted his time to help at his church with the teen youth group and the building of the new church for Grace Bible Church in Gorham. Lee and Helen placed many foreign exchange students for E.F. for 20-plus years. They loved to travel to Europe on mission trips with their church family and also to visit the students that they hosted in their home.

He is survived by his children, David E. Weeks and his wife, Julie, Kathleen A. Whitten and husband, Alan, Laurie L. Norwood and husband, David and the Rev. Leland E. Weeks III and wife, Donna; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Nellie Marcia Weeks.

Predeceased by his wife, Helen, in April of this year; his parents; a sister, Mary Weeks; and a brother, Francis Weeks.

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