EDINBURG – Wayne L. Ireland, Sr., 66, passed away Thursday evening, Feb. 25th at Eastern Maine Medical Center as the result of a sudden and brief illness with his loving family at his bedside. Wayne was born on August 6th, 1949 to Leo and Ella (LaPlante) Ireland of Chester.
Wayne attended Howland schools and graduated from Penobscot Valley High School in 1968. He married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca (Reed) Ireland on April 5th, 1968. In his early adulthood Wayne worked construction with his brothers on various projects including laying the groundwork for the construction of I-95 and Penobscot Valley Hospital. He also worked for Cianbro on various projects both in and out of State. Later, Wayne became a self-employed logging contractor and also owned a logging equipment store in Howland, Ireland’s Logging Supplies. He had a knack for operating heavy equipment and took pride in his quality work. In more recent years, Wayne worked his dream job as co-owner of Northeast Forest Products along side his only son, Wayne Jr. “Bub.” As Bub handled the business end of things, Wayne operated the crews in the woods. They were not only business partners, but best friends. Sharing his love for the logging business with his son was his greatest reward. They ran a successful business until Bub’s passing in Dec. 2009 at which time Wayne retired. Since retirement Wayne savored every moment with his eight grandchildren who were his pride and joy. He took such pride in all of their accomplishments and loved spending time with them. He was a best buddy to the two youngest, Reed and Allie. Family was most important to Wayne. He spent many evenings gathered around the kitchen tables of his brothers drinking coffee and sharing stories. Many family reunions were held and memories were created on Cold Stream Pond where he and this brothers, and brother-in-law had camps. He was predeceased by his “amigos” brother-in-law, Grover “Sonny” Reed, and cousin-in-law Danny Reed. Together they enjoyed attending livestock auctions, taking rides and going out to lunch. Wayne was a member of the Anah Temple Shrine in Bangor and the Composite Lodge #168 of Lagrange where he held many chairs including Master of which he was very proud. He enjoyed the brotherhood of his camaraderie.
Wayne was survived by his daughter, Marisa (Ireland) LeBlanc of Howland, son-in-law Andrew, and grandchildren Macy, Molly, Maggie, and Allie; and daughter-in-law Becky Ireland and grandchildren, Samantha “Sami,” Alexis “Lexi,” Emilee, and Reed; brother, Douglas Ireland and his wife Vesta; sisters-in-law, Beverly Ireland, Betty Ireland and Avena Ireland; sisters-in-law and their families, Joan & Rodney Sage, Jan & Tom Whitney, Kathy & Philip Pelkey, and Jeanne Reed. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Rebecca “Becky” Reed; children, Cari and Wayne Jr. “Bub;” his parents, Leo and Ella; brothers, L. Kenneth, Ronald and Bernard Ireland, and sister, Lynda; mother-in-law, Joan Reed Bates and her husband Gene; father-in-law, Grover Reed and sister-in-law Virgie Reed. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and his buddies at home, dogs Shay and Max. He will be deeply missed by his daughter, and only surviving child, as they shared daily talks and dinner together every evening. He took much pride in his daughter, Marisa, and all of her accomplishments. Wayne didn’t miss a day visiting the LeBlanc family.
Visiting hours will held 4:00-6:00 pm, with a Masonic funeral at 6:00,Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln. A memorial service will be held Wednesday March 2, 2016 at 6:00 pm at the funeral home with Michael Hallett officiating. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may donate to an educational fund established for the benefit of his eight grandchildren. Wayne was very proud of their scholastic abilities and wanted them all to attend college. Donations may be left at the funeral home or at Howland-Enfield Federal Credit Union in Howland. For an online guest book please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com.