CARMEL – Irwin was born Aug. 5, 1926, to Irwin W. Pike II and Ruth M Cole of Dover-Foxcroft, and always held fond memories of the area. Irwin, who passed away May 25, 2005, at his Carmel residence, was a man dedicated to hard work, honesty and providing for his family. His wife of 55 years, Mary (Love); daughters, Julia, wife of Howard Soule, Mary and husband, Michael Holt and children, Sarah and Benjamin, all of Carmel; sons, David Pike of Plymouth, his children, Anna Stevens, Angela and David Pike and granddaughter, Noah Stevens, Peter Pike (deceased Jan. 16, 2005), father of Nicholas and Zachary of Orono and James and Glory Pike and daughter, Jessica of Old Town, will miss his wisdom and cherish the memories. Dad was a man who believed in principles and lived by them but he maintained his sense of humor and the twinkle in his eye throughout his battle with Parkinson Disease. Irwin was a World War II Army veteran who served in the Philippines. Upon returning home he graduated from Foxcroft Academy and then from The Massachusetts Technical Institute. He went on to become a master electrician working for the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad for 38 years as well as for himself. While at the Railroad he served as president of the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for a number of years. When he wasn’t working or tinkering he loved to fish, hunt, camp, tell stories, tend his bees, he was a life member of the Maine State Bee Association, and gardens. He also served as a board member of the Penobscot County Extension. Irwin was a master mason for 57 years. He was raised May 20, 1948, Mosaic Lodge No. 52 in Dover-Foxcroft. Irwin affiliated with Benevolent Lodge No. 87 in 1964 and was master in 1971. He received his life membership June 11, 1998. He was a member Anah Temple Shrine and their past masters unit. He was also a life member of Piscataquis Royal Arch Chapter No. 21 of Dover-Foxcroft and a member of St. John’s Commandery No. 3 of Bangor. Irwin also served three terms as Worthy Patron of John R Chase Chapter of the Eastern Star in Carmel was a life member and had belonged for 55 years to the order. As a resident of Carmel, Irwin served on the town’s volunteer fire department, several town boards and was the town’s first code enforcement officer. A thank you to special friends, Clement and Diane Richardson, Allen McGown, and Ray (Kippy) and Nancy Cunningham; and cousin, Jean and her husband, Joe Megquire, your continued visits added so much to Dad’s final days and was a comfort to the family. There will be a masonic funeral service 2 p.m. June 25, at the Carmel Congregational Church, 37 Plymouth Road, Carmel, followed by a celebration of Irwin’s life by his family and friends at the Masonic Hall, 19 Plymouth Road, Carmel Village. In remembrance of Irwin please make any donations to the Benevolent Lodge Building fund, care of Marvin Graves, P.O. Box 214, Carmel, ME 04419. Burial will be private. A service of Crosby & Neal, Newport.
IRWIN W. PIKE III
