BURNHAM – Erland P. Bacon Sr., 88, of Burnham and longtime resident of Waterville, passed away peacefully with family by his side Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, at Rumford Hospital, Rumford. Erland was born Nov. 18, 1921, in Unity, the son of James and Harriet (Shibles) Bacon. He married the former Gertrude Reynolds, Jan. 22, 1941, in Unity, and they spent 61 wonderful years together until her passing Aug. 21, 2002. He spent the last 20 years wintering in Florida. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. This past October he spent several days crossbow hunting with family and friends. He was employed as a union pipe fitter/welder for several years. Erland was actively involved as a member in many organizations, including Harvest Moon Grange of Thorndike; a 50-year member of the Masons at Waterville Lodge No. 33; Martha Washington Chapter 15 of the Eastern Star, Waterville; Scottish Rite Augusta Valley, the Scottish Rite of Consistory Valley of Portland and Kora Temple Shrine of Lewiston, where he was part of the Krazy Cops Unit. He was predeceased by his wife, Gertrude; and brother, LeBaron Bacon. Erland is survived by his five sons, Erland P. Bacon Jr. and wife, Alayne, of Oakland, Charles Bacon and wife, Sheila, of Greene, Roger Bacon of Fairfield, Wendell Bacon and wife, Laura, of Dixfield, and Sheldon Bacon and wife, Kelli, of Reading, Mass.; a sister, Frances Pooler of Fairfield; 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; a close friend and companion, Betty Sweet; several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 107 Main St., Fairfield, with a Masonic service beginning 7 p.m. Wednesday. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at the funeral home. Burial will take place in the spring at Pond Cemetery, Unity. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Erland’s memory to Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. Condolences may be expressed at www.lawrybrothers.com.
ERLAND P. BACON SR.
