BREWER, FARMINGTON and BOSTON - BREWER, FARMINGTON and BOSTON - Dr. Burleigh H. Shibles, 79, professor emeritus at Boston University, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord Aug. 23, 2010. He was born March 13, 1931, in Bangor, son of Harold Burleigh and Marguerite (Coffin) Shibles. From early childhood he had a strong ambition of becoming a schoolteacher. With the strong support of Brewer High School faculty, Brewer High School principal, Albert Pillsbury, and the superintendent of schools, Howard Houston, he achieved his goal as a schoolteacher upon graduation from Brewer High School in 1949. In September 1949, he became the schoolteacher at Clewleyville Rural School, Holden, where he taught for two years. In September 1951, he began his educational studies at Farmington State Teachers College, graduating in June 1954. He had a strong academic record at Farmington. From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army in England. After the completion of his military assignment, he entered the University of Maine, Orono, in the fall of 1956, where he earned a Master of Science degree in reading and language arts, in the spring of 1957, with high academic achievement. In the fall of 1957, he became an instructor at Farmington State Teachers College, in Mallett Laboratory School for several years, including one year as principal. After his teaching and administrative duties at Mallett Laboratory School, he became an assistant professor at the college, where he taught reading and language arts. His performance record was outstanding. In the fall of 1969, he was appointed as assistant professor at School of Education, Boston University, where he taught for 26 years. Prior to his appointment at Boston University, he had been awarded at Boston University a Doctor of Education degree. His teaching performance at Boston University was impressive. During his professional career, he was most active in many professional, educational organizations, including serving as vice president of Pi Lambda Theta International Honor Society, president and vice president of Alpha Gamma Chapter of Pi Lambda Theta at Boston University, New England Reading Association, International Reading Association, National Council of Teachers of English, Association of Teacher Education, American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, National Education Association, Maine Educational Association, and American Legion. In retirement, he became very active at First United Methodist Church, Brewer; Penobscot County Retired Teachers Association; Maine Retired Teachers Association; and local organizations. Survivors include two brothers, Paul A. Shibles of Brewer and Dr. David B. Shibles of Lakeland, Fla.; and many cousins. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at First United Methodist Church, Brewer, with the Rev. Dr. George Curtis III officiating. Interment will be at a later date at Rogers Cemetery, Troy.