BAILEYVILLE – A man who was described by friends as a devoted community leader Down East died during the weekend. Milton Annis, 81, died at the Calais hospital after a brief illness.

For 38 years Annis served as town clerk, and, according to Baileyville Town Council Chairman Doug Jones, worked out of his home. “He and his wife, Regina, sold fishing licenses and marriage licenses, all the duties of a town clerk, night and day seven days a week,” he said.

Annis worked at the local pulp and paper mill for more than 40 years through two owners, first the St. Croix Paper Co. and later Georgia-Pacific Corp. He retired as G-P’s personnel manager.

Last year, G-P sold the mill to Montreal-based Domtar Industries Inc.

Annis was a member of the Town Council for 12 years. He also was chairman of the Baileyville charter committee and the board of appeals. For years he served as moderator of the annual town meetings, for the last time in March.

Jones said he considered Annis a good friend and a dedicated public servant. “It’s not only a loss to me as a good friend, but also to the town,” he said.

Former state Rep. Tony Tammaro, who is a member of the Town Council, said he and Annis had been neighbors for 50 years. He described Annis as a respected councilor who was well-liked. “He will be missed,” Tammaro said.

Charlie Towns, who also served with Annis on the Town Council, said he had great respect for Annis. “He was very pleasant, easy to deal with and easy to get along with. You could always work things out together. He did a lot for the town. He was a servant of the town for many years,” he said. Annis was a communicant of St. James the Greater Roman Catholic Church, serving on the parish council for many years and he was a founding member of the St. Croix Spednic Club. He was also described as an avid bowler. Regina Annis, his wife of 50 years, and three sons and their wives survive him.