SEARSMONT – Philip Eugene Sweetland, 91, our beloved storyteller has gone to heaven to share his stories with God. He was born May 22, 1913, in Bangor, to Arthur and Charlotte (Wood) Sweetland. Phil married Lillian Tenney on Nov. 26, 1945. He was a loving and caring father to his four children. Phil worked as a lumberjack, ship builder, mechanic, ferrier, welder, and night-watchman. He crafted wooden furniture. One of Phil’s greatest joys was living in Searsmont and walking or riding his ATV through the woods. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. Just this November Phil went hunting and got his deer. He spoke often of his trips to Alaska and Canada. Phil was known for his ability to entertain his audience with witty yarns. He was an avid reader and historian. He read the entire Bible every year for 40 years. He was proud to be called the world’s oldest stern man. He was an active member of Coastal ATV Club, Sears Lodge of Odd Fellows, Knyvetta Rebekah Lodge No. 125, The Grand Lodge of Maine, Searsmont Historical Society and the Searsmont Methodist Church. He was predeceased by his wife, Lillian Edith (Tenney) Sweetland; two brothers, Paul and Wilbur Sweetland. Survivors include son, Byron and Patricia Sweetland of Burlington; daughters, Maybelle and Al Sturgeon of Brunswick, Paula and Bill Thompson of Guilford and Autumn-Marie and Herbert Wheelden of Deer Isle; brothers, Byron Judd Sweetland of Rockport and Paul Sweetland of Liberty, also survive him. Philip will also be sadly missed by many grandchildren; great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, 2004 at the Rackliffe Funeral home, 54 Church St., Belfast, where friends may call 6-8 p.m. Thursday evening. Memorial contributions may be made to the Searsmont Historical Society or the Searsmont Library.
PHILIP EUGENE SWEETLAND
