MATTAWAMKEAG – Martin John Elward, “John”, 82, husband of Barbara M. Elward, passed away peacefully, April 14, 2004, at a Lincoln hospital. He was born March 13, 1922, in Rockwood, where he grew up and sailed his little wood boats under the shadow of Mt. Kineo as a child. He was always fascinated with engines, locomotives, Lombard Log Haulers and one-lungers. He and Barbara were married on April 9, 1943, and just celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary together. He worked as an apprentice at Fayscott Landis in Dexter where he made his home with Barbara. He retired from Great Northern Paper Company in 1984, where he last worked as a shop foreman for maintenance. John loved to farm and be outdoors. He was observant of wildlife and nature. He and Barbara were known for their large gardens which they planted one third for the deer, one third for friends and neighbors, and one third for their family. John loved reading and was a vast store of knowledge. He was a member of Pine Tree Lodge AF & AM of Mattawamkeag. A compassionate family man, he will be missed by his loving wife, Barbara; his children, John Elward and Linda of Medway, Richard Elward and Penny of Mattawamkeag, Deborah King and Dennis of Orono; four grandchildren, John Elward, Rachel Elward, Ryan King, and Benjamin King; two great-grandchildren, Jeffery Elward and Katherine King; siblings, Fern Moulton and Franklin of Guilford, Roger Richards and Hazel of Shirley, Elizabeth Flanagan of Bangor, Sr. Josephine Flanagan of Portland, Tom Flanagan of Enfield, Conn, and Kathy Tekancic of Euclid, Ohio; several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln, from 7-9 p.m. Friday, during which time a masonic memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Richard Johnson officiating. Interment will be in Mattawamkeag Cemetery, later in the spring. Those who wish may donate in his memory to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 521, Skowhegan, ME 04976. For an online register book, please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com.
MARTIN JOHN ELWARD
