Rev. Ronald F. Wilbur

Rev. Ronald F. Wilbur was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, pastor, and beloved servant of God. His life was marked by an unwavering faith, a deep love for his family, and a calling to ministry that remained at the center of his life until his passing.

Growing up in Old Town, Maine, Ronald was active in his community and school. He played quarterback for Old Town High School and was a member of the track and field team. Before entering full-time ministry, he worked in the ironworking and welding field, developing the strong work ethic and determination that would remain with him throughout his life.

In 1967, Ronald attended United Pentecostal Bible Institute. It was there that he met the love of his life, Lois—famously meeting her in a snowbank. That meeting would begin a lifelong love story and a partnership that would carry them through decades of ministry and family life together.

After graduating from United Pentecostal Bible Institute, Ronald assisted Rev. Harold Churchill in Caribou, Maine. In 1973, he moved his family to Machias, Maine, where he pastored for three years. He then spent a short period of time in Calais, Maine, before moving to St. Stephen, New Brunswick, where he became the founding pastor of Eldridge United Pentecostal Church.

Ronald remained in St. Stephen for eight years before moving to Noonan, New Brunswick, where he pastored for another five years. In 1990, he returned to his home state of Maine, moving to Old Town to found New Life Apostolic Church. During this time, he drove a school bus for the Orono, Maine, school system and for Cyr Bus Line. He later became an employee of the City of Bangor, where he worked faithfully for 26 years.

For Ronald, ministry was more than a calling—it was his life. He faithfully served as pastor of New Life Apostolic Church until his retirement in 2021. Even after retiring as pastor, he continued serving as Bishop, remaining devoted to the church, to his congregation, and to the work of God until the end of his life.

While his ministry touched countless lives, Ronald’s greatest treasures were his family and his faith. He was a loving husband to Lois and a cherished father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His legacy will live on not only through the church he founded and the many lives he influenced, but also through the generations of his family who loved him dearly.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lois Wilbur; his children, Mark and Jen Wilbur, Beth and Kyle Stoops, and Marcy and Mike Bartkiewicz; his grandchildren, Sherraiah, Josiah, Gabriel, Isaiah, Lucas, and Lauren; and his great-grandchildren, Natalia, Dawson, Sawyer, Zariyah, Taron, and Wilbur. He is also survived by his sibling, Fernald Wilbur.

He was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Dorothy Wilbur, and his brothers, Stanley Wilbur and Wayne Wilbur.

Ronald leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, perseverance, and service. His life was devoted to God, his family, and the people he was called to serve. Though he is deeply missed, his family and those whose lives he touched can find comfort in knowing that the work he loved so dearly was a life well lived.

His ministry was his calling. His family was his treasure. His faith was his legacy.