Amherst
Arthur P. Leighton, 74, died unexpectedly Feb. 13, 2022, in his home. He was born Feb. 6, 1948, in Steuben, the youngest son of Reginald and Marie Leighton.
Arthur graduated from Ellsworth High School, Class of 1966. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army National Guard. Jack of all trades he sure was. Artie was a machine operator and legendary truck driver. He was still working before he passed at R.F. Jordan. Artie drove the first double-trailer on the stud mill road. He said he would retire the day he expired; he was the hardest working man.
Artie loved music and dancing. He attended the North Atlantic Blues Festival every year and never had a problem finding a dance partner; he and his daughter loved to go dancing together. He loved his motorcycle so much that in the wintertime he parked it in the living room. One year it was even our Christmas tree. He drove it across the country to Sturgis and all over New England.
Artie knew someone everywhere he went and had the gift of gab for certain and talked so fast you better pay attention. He would tell you what he thought whether you liked it or not. He was highly respected for his honesty and work ethic. He loved his family and friends with all that he had. He loved deer hunting and his special time doing it with his son, Shane, and grandson Dylan. It was never about getting the deer; it was all about the time they spent together. His work ethic definitely passed over to his son Shane; they worked side by side together for many years. Artie will be dearly missed; he left his mark on this world and his family will continue to honor him.
Artie was recently widowed from his second wife, Helen Leighton, who he was married to for 11 years. Artie shares two children with his first wife of 27 years, Peggy Leighton. He is survived by his son, Shane A. Leighton, of Amherst, his daughter Regina Leonard and her husband, Chad Leonard, of Hermon, his grandchildren, Ashlee Leighton-Bragg, Dylan A. Leighton and Cooper Leonard, great-grandchildren Amara and Tylee and many nieces and nephews whom he adored.
He was predeceased by his parents, Reginald and Marie Leighton; brothers, Richard Leighton and Frank Farren; sister, Jeanne Fulton; nephew, Eric Leighton, and his wife, Helen.
A celebration of life will be held Feb. 26 from 3-7 p.m. at the Bangor Elks lodge. The family wants you to bring your fun stories and memories to share. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Arthur’s memory can be made to Veterans at Bangor Elks Lodge No. 244, 108 Odlin Road, Bangor, ME 04401.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth, ME 04605.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.