Malcolm P. Ellis, formerly of Ashland, Maine fell asleep in Christ at the age of 86 at Vernon Advent Christian Homes Assisted Living in Vernon, Vermont on January 27, 2020. He was born June 1, 1933 in Castle Hill, Maine to Phineas and Mildred (Chandler) Ellis. After graduating from Mapleton High School in 1951 he attended The University of Maine School of Agriculture at the bidding of friend and Cousin Darrell Chandler. While in Ag School he was chosen to be a National Vice President for the Future Farmers of America (1952-1953), the last National Officer elected from Maine. Through this opportunity he traveled around the United States promoting agriculture during which time he was honored to meet President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the White House. He often spoke of this time and the adventure it was. Upon completing his one year commitment to the FFA he was drafted into the US Army at the end of the Korean War (1953-1955).  At Christmastime of 1956 matchmaker Aunt June (Ellis) introduced him to the love of his life, Edna Leigh Rand, on the steps of the Ashland Advent Christian Church.  In October of 1957 they were married in Elliot, Maine. They celebrated 62 years of a marriage which was an example and an inspiration to many.  Mac worked as manager for State Road Grain, and then started a starch factory before buying the farm at 500 Frenchville Road in Ashland from Roscoe Hews, which became known as Ellis Farms. Mac was passionate about three things: his inventions, his family, and his relationship with Jesus. 

Being a potato farmer for most of his adult life led naturally into his work passion, inventing adaptations to farm equipment. Malcolm has more than 20 inventions to his credits, many of which were patented and are now standard in the industry. Many potato harvesters around the United States and Canada are equipped with the “Ellis Table”.   Much time was spent thinking things through, creating them in his mind and working out all the details. Mac, together with his son Jaye, invented and created many innovations to make farming more efficient. Upon moving into Assisted Living in Vermont with Edna he took with him drawings and plans for a new device which he had not yet completed.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Edna (Rand) Ellis and their children and grandchildren: Jaye (late Kori) Ellis of Mapleton (children: Mariah (Isaac) Michaud, Skyler, and Calie); Bradford (Elizabeth) Ellis of Vernon, Vermont (children: Mary and Sarah), and Kristi (Craig) Libby of San Diego, California (children: Joshua and Katie). He is also survived by his two sisters: Myrtle (Myron) Goodwin of Kennebunk, and Elaine (late Eugene) Hotham of Presque Isle as well as dear nieces, nephews and their families.  

A benefit of farming was quality family time spent together through working the farm and meals eaten together. The grandchildren arrived later in his life and were a great source of joy. 

When asked, Mac was happy to share with you about how he came to know Jesus as his personal Savior at Camp Nomacca. When he went to the altar that night he knew it was only about a personal relationship with him and Jesus. From that point on Mac was always active in the Ashland Advent Christian Church as well as Camp Nomacca, holding various positions over the years with these organizations. In 2019 Malcolm and Edna were honored by the church as the longest standing members of the Ashland Advent Christian Church. For a number of years Mac enjoyed participating in the ministry of the local Gideons in Aroostook County.  Mac was a man of integrity in everything he did from church activities to serving on the Ashland Town Council, the Aroostook Valley Health Center Board of Directors, and SAD #1 and #32 School Boards.  His honest, hardworking nature was evident in working the potato farm and then serving farmers with “Ellis Farms: Innovations for Agriculture.”

As a reflection of his relationship with Jesus, Mac was a man of his word, honest and true, daily reading God’s Word. The man who went to church on Sunday was the same man that was called Dad by few and friend by many. He was thoughtful in speech and held true to his beliefs, always maintaining what was right.  He will be greatly missed.

The family would like to say thank you to the staff at Vernon Hall Assisted Living for the loving care given in his last days. The staff went above and beyond, and we are very grateful.

A memorial service will be held at the Ashland Advent Christian Church, 42 Exchange Street, Ashland Maine on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at 2:00 PM with internment following at the Ellis/Trafton Cemetery in Ashland. All are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers the family would like to honor Mac with donations to Camp Nomacca. (P.O. Box 551, Presque Isle, ME 04769)