Retired Penobscot County Judge of Probate Allan Woodcock Jr. of Bangor was the state's longest serving probate judge, and when he died a week ago at the age of 92 he was remembered fondly by many.

This morning, Governor Paul Lepage ordered all U.S. and State of Maine flags on all public buildings and grounds to be lowered to half-staff immediately until sunset Tuesday.

Judge Woodcock stepped down from the bench just three years ago at the age of 92, after more than a half century of dedicating his life to public service.  He also served on the city council, and as a state representative and state senator.

In a press release the Governor said this about the former Judge Woodcock, "“Prayers go out from Ann and me to Judge Woodcock’s friends, family and loved ones. As an elected probate judge, he earned the respect of the citizens of Penobscot County, his fellow judges and the attorneys who appeared before him, especially while presiding over cases involving difficult family matters. The court and the State of Maine have lost a truly distinguished gentleman judge.”

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