ORLAND and PROSPECT -Thomas H. Herbest, 50, passed away Feb. 27, 2009, as a result of an automobile accident in Stockton Springs. He was born Jan. 4, 1959, in Bangor, the son of Richard P. and Barbara (Haley) Herbest Sr. Tom graduated form Bucksport High School, Class of 1977. He worked many different jobs in his lifetime: mason tender, stern man and maintenance man at Acadia Zoo, Trenton, where the huge bear pen he built was named after him, “Thomas Herbest Bear Den.” Tom was a known as a hard worker and had a generous nature. He will be missed by his family. He is survived by his mother, Barbara (Haley) Tilley and her husband, Paul, of Prospect; his former wife, Laurie (Gushee) Hall of Winterport; children, Benjamin Herbest and his wife, Angelique, of Pittsfield, Thomas Herbest and his wife, Leila, of Belfast, and Amber Powell and her husband, George, of Carmel; sisters, Rosemarie Webster of Verona Island, and Lisa Sutherland and her husband, Dwayne, of Bucksport; half brothers, Fred Herbest and his wife, Melissa, of Prospect, Richard Herbest of Brewer, and Shawn Porter and his wife, Sandy, of Monroe; five grandchildren, Corey Gilks, James Vantasel, Elizabeth Herbest, Freeman Holmes and Arianna Herbest; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and special friend, Benjamin Shute; and a big piece of his mothers heart went with him. Thomas was predeceased by his father, Richard P. Herbest Sr.; brother, Richard P. Herbest Jr.; and sister, Debbie (Herbest) Valenoti. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport, with Pastor Peter Remick officiating. Visitation will be noon until the time of service. After the services a gathering for conversation and refreshments will be held at Prospect Community Center, Prospect. Spring interment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Prospect. In lieu of flower, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Acadia Zoo Park, 446 Bar Harbor Road, Trenton, ME 04605.
THOMAS H. HERBEST
