EDINBURG – Wayne “Bub” Ireland Jr., 40, fought a courageous battle with cancer for more than three years until it consumed his body Monday, Dec. 28, 2009. Bub was an incredible man of strength and courage and so full of determination and will. He touched the lives of so many in his family, community and far beyond. Through his journey, he taught all of those around him to appreciate all of the things in life that money couldn’t buy, to slow down and enjoy family. He was a truly devoted family man and he created many fond memories with his wife and children, from family trips and vacations to sporting events and special “Daddy Days.” He was a graduate of Penobscot Valley High School and Husson College, where he made some special lifelong friends and received a Bachelor of Science in business administration. His degree and love of the outdoors led him to a family business, Northeast Forest Products, which he shared with his father, Wayne Sr. Bub’s greatest reward in this business was working alongside his dad every day. Bub had a magnetic personality and was loved and respected by all that knew him. Known for his wit, joking and teasing, he had the uncanny ability to give so many the “perfect” nickname. Whether they liked the nickname or not, it stuck. In addition to enjoying his family, Bub dedicated much of his time to Composite Lodge No. 168 and served as master for several years. Close to his heart was an event that benefited the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life. He participated with his family and friends for nine years, and served as honorary chair in 2007. Bub leaves behind a family that he lived each day of his life for: his loving and devoted wife, Becky; four incredible children, Samantha “Squirrel,” Alexis “Louis,” Emilee “Boodah” and his little “Bossman,” Reed; his father, Wayne Sr.; sister, Marisa and brother-in-law, Andrew LeBlanc; four special nieces, Macy, Molly, Maggie and Allie LeBlanc; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bob and Gayle Moholland; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Rob and Janet Moholland, and Mandi and Jay Curran; nieces and nephews, Felicia and Bobby Moholland, and Jayden and Ethan Curran. He also leaves behind several special aunts, uncles, cousins and lifelong friends. He was predeceased by his mother, Becky Ireland; a sister, Cari Ireland; and grandparents, Ella and Leo Ireland, and Grover Reed and Joan Reed Bates. Friends may call 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln, where a Masonic funeral will begin 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with the Rev Scott Taylor officiating. Interment will be at Edinburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to American Cancer Society, Relay for Life. Donations may be left at the funeral home. For an online guest register and to leave written condolences, please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com.
WAYNE ‘BUB’ IRELAND JR.
