Madrid - Conley Richard Gould, Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, at the age of 89. Surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home, he departed this world after a period of declining health, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, devotion, and love.
Born on May 1, 1936, to Lillian (Presby) and Lester Gould, Conley grew up with a strong work ethic that shaped his entire life. He left school at the young age of 16 to begin his career as a lumberman, a trade that would shape his life and lead to a decades-long career in the logging business. In 1954, he married the love of his life, Glennis (Doble), and together they shared almost 70 years of marriage, raising a family and building a life rooted in dedication, love, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life.
Conley worked for several different employers over the years, but his true passion was in the business he built with his siblings, the Gould Brothers Logging. Later, Conley ventured into business on his own, where his work ethic and determination never wavered. Even in his later years, he could still be found working on his own firewood, with a stubborn strength that stayed with him to the end.
Conley was a man who loved the outdoors—whether it was hunting, trapping, or fishing, he found peace and joy in nature. He fulfilled one of his final wishes by taking a fly-fishing trip to the North Maine Woods, where, as expected, he caught the most fish. Conley, with his many witty one-liners, had a mischievous and flirtatious nature that made him beloved by all who knew him. He was also a gifted storyteller and teacher, always ready to share a lesson or a laugh, leaving everyone with something to remember.
When he wasn't tending to his firewood or looking for deer in the orchard, Conley could be found working tirelessly in his garden. His vegetables were the envy of the neighbors, and his canned goods—beets, greens, beans, carrots, and more—graced many a table over the years. But it was his pickled delights that people remembered most—whether mustard pickles, radishes, or even the infamous pickled turnips.
Conley was predeceased by his beloved wife, Glennis; his sisters, Anita Ellicott and Lorraine Berry; his brother, Lester Gould, Jr.; and his son, Conley Gould, Jr. He is survived by his brother, Ivan Gould, Sr.; his children, Betty Lou Carrier, Robert Gould (Betty), and Jean Steeves, his daughter in-law, Kentucky Gould; grandchildren, Darcy, Conley III, Roy, Billy, Andre, Adam, David, Tammie, Richard, Katie, Robin, Dorinda, and Angela; 13 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; as well as many friends, nieces, and nephews.
Conley was the heart of a family that loved him dearly and learned so much from his wisdom, strength, and determination. He taught us the importance of hard work, the value of family, and to appreciate simple pleasures. We are forever grateful for the time we had with him and will always carry his memory in our hearts.
A service will be held to honor Conley's life on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Mile Square Cemetery in Avon, ME at 10 am. Following the service there will be a gathering at the Avon Town Hall and guests are encouraged to bring refreshment to share.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Margie and Duna Toothaker Memorial Fund, ℅ Yolanda Smith, 68 Bray Hill Road, Phillips, ME, 04966, in his memory.
May he rest in peace, his memory forever cherished by all who loved him.
Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott's Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, Maine, where memories, photos and condolences may be shared at dsfuneral.com