IRA GAILON WEST

STEUBEN – Ira Gailon West, 81, passed away peacefully Oct. 10, 2008, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Bangor. He was born Aug. 13, 1927, in Steuben, the son of the late Thaddeus and Gladys (Beal) West. Gailon was a Korean War veteran. His joy in life was gardening. He created many beautiful flower gardens throughout his life. Gailon spent many years as a cook. He also worked in the tannery and in the family lobster business. Gailon worked for many years as a funeral attendant with Bud Warren and Willard Kelley Jr. His last years working were spent as a security guard at Wyman’s Blueberry. Gailon was a selectman for the town of Steuben for many years and enjoyed working and socializing with the residents. As well as being active in town politics, he was very active in the Republican Party and enjoyed attending the meetings in Augusta on behalf of the party. Gailon is survived by his sisters, Peg Grant and Priscilla Kennedy and husband, Roger; brother, Curtis West; niece, Alta Kennedy and companion, Larry Palmer; great-nieces, his “dolls,” Priscilla Bills and Madison Kennedy; great-nephew, his “bubba,” Michael Bills and companion, Jennifer Johnson; nephew, Bryant Kennedy; and great-nephews, Roger Kennedy and wife, Angela, and Bryant Kennedy II and wife, Kate; brother-in-law, Bob Grant and wife, Karen; sisters-in-law, Sylvia West and Fumiko West; many other special nieces, nephews and friends. Gailon was predeceased by brothers, Leroy and his wife, Rosalie, and Bart and his wife, Nixola, Maurice and Chud; sisters, Trudy, Lucy, Emma and Viola; and sister-in-law, Dolly. The family expresses their deep gratitude for the wonderful care Gailon received at the veterans’ home. A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at Evergreen Cemetery, Milbridge, officiated by Pastor Owen Beal. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Maine Veterans’ Home Activity/Bingo Fund, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements are under the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Milbridge. www.bragdonkelley.com