LLOYD ARNO IRELAND

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla., and SMITHFIELD – Lloyd Arno Ireland died Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at Florida Hospital, Zephyrhills, Fla. He was born April 7, 1924, in Benton, to Arno W. and Fern Case Ireland. He married Vivian Libby, July 29, 1945, in Albion. He graduated from Besse High School, Albion, in 1943. Lloyd entered the Army after graduation and was deployed to Germany during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and became a life member of the VFW. He attended the University of Maine, Orono, graduating in 1950. Lloyd’s working career started in Pennsylvania as an engineer with U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. After 10 years, the decision to return to Maine was prompted by the terminal illness of his father-in-law. They bought the family business, Sunbeam Market and Roller Rink, Smithfield, operating the rink for nearly 20 years. Meantime, a desire to return to his chosen field in 1966, he continued his working years with the Maine Department of Transportation in the location and survey division, retiring in 1992. He served his community for several years as tax collector, treasurer and deputy town clerk for his wife. After retirement, he and his wife lived in Zephyrhills, Fla., at least six months of the year, returning to Smithfield each spring. Lloyd was an active member of several Masonic organizations; 64 years at Central Lodge No. 45, China, Maine; past president of University of Maine Masonic Club; nearly 40 years as a Kora temple shriner; potentate aide and director Emeritus of the Kora karts; past president of Central Maine Shrine Club; a member of Put Stevens Court No. 107 Royal Order of Jesters; The Zephyrhills Shrine Club, and Pasco Billiken Club Royal Order of Jesters, New Port Richey, Fla. Lloyd grew up with a strong work ethic, was very self-sufficient, a quiet man with a dry sense of humor, great integrity and moral character. He had a deep faith, love for family, loyalty to friends, and a firm commitment to his club affiliations. He is survived by his wife; two sons, L. Douglas and wife, Susan, of Hillsborough, N.H., and Gregory and wife, Maureen, of Bangor; five grandchildren, Casey of Easthampton, Mass., Connor and Carly of Hillsborough, N.H., and Erika Ireland Griffin and Gregory Jr. of Bangor; three great-grandchildren, Zane of Easthampton, Mass., Kate and Marin Griffin of Bangor; a niece, Carole Ireland; nephew, Thomas Ireland, both of Maine; a nephew, Wayne Cook of Virginia; and several cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Melvin; infant brother, Robert; and very recently, sister, Helen Cook. An informal gathering of family and friends will take place 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Oaks Royal III Club House, Dean Dairy Road, Zephyrhills, Fla. A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2010 in Maine, with a committal to take place at the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104-2396 or to the charity of choice.