KENDUSKEAG – Wayne “Alan” Chetley, 58, died unexpectedly Jan. 1, 2010, at his home. He was born June 12, 1951, in Chicago, the son of Lois Ann and Alfred Holmes of Orono. Alan was raised and educated in Orono, where he was a graduate of Orono High School, Class of 1969. Upon graduation he enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Biddle during Vietnam. Alan was employed for many years by the U.S. Postal Service, and in most recent years, served at the Bradley (Maine) Postal Office. Alan was an avid motorcyclist, whose great passion was collecting and restoring vintage machines. He enjoyed many adventurous road trips and loved camping throughout the New England area. He shared his penchant for knowledge and love of history through his constant supply of literature to his family and friends. His great love for family was evidenced by his many generous and thoughtful gifts. Throughout the years, he became the official “pyrotechnic director,” leading spectacular firework displays at the many family gatherings that he so enjoyed. He was extremely well read and informed, and loved to discuss and debate political and current events with family and friends. Alan lived life passionately and on his own terms, and was very much an individualist with a strong belief in fairness. Alan was never happier than when in the company of his family, and was the center of all family activities. He will be sadly missed, but lovingly remembered by his family. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his longtime love and companion, Lori; his daughter, Heather Hinds of Portland; sister, BJ Rioux and Geoff MacAdie of Raymond, N.H.; brothers, Curt Holmes and Margaret Weigang of Winterport and Kent Holmes and Alice Holmes of Enfield, N.H.; nephews, Mat Merrill, Chris Merrill, Josh Roberts and Cameron Holmes; niece, Mhairi Holmes; and a multitude of friends throughout the Greater Orono and Greater Bangor areas. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, at Brookings-Smith LaBeau Chapel, 72 Main St., Orono, with Pastor Steve Smith, of Orono United Methodist Church, officiating. Friends are invited to call noon until the time of service. After the service, relatives and friends are invited to share conversation and refreshments in the Red Room at Pat’s Pizza, 11 Mill St., Orono. Those wishing to remember Wayne in a special way may make gifts in his memory to a public library of your choice or Military Family Support Inc., P.O. Box 140694, Nashville, TN 37214-0694. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
WAYNE ‘ALAN’ CHETLEY
