SIDNEY – The family of Wayne A. Ireland, 70, with deep sorrow, acknowledge his passing May 16, 2024, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Wayne was born in Brunswick on Sept. 4, 1953 to Ken Ireland and Vera (Christerson) Brown, the last of four children. Wayne grew up in both Maine and Illinois. He graduated from Tiskalwa, Ill. in 1971. Wayne reconnected with his classmates at his fiftieth class reunion in 2021.

While living in Florida, Wayne obtained his Private Pilot’s license in 1971. Flying was his passion and he earned numerous endorsements and logged flying time in a multitude of aircrafts. Wayne’s hobby culminated in his career as Pilot Supervisor of the Maine State Police Airwing. He also graduated from UMA in 2006 with a degree in Associate of Science Criminal Justice. Wayne’s career in the MSP began on Dec. 3, 1989 at the Police Academy 42nd Training Troop. He was known as “Papa Smurf” being the oldest trooper to go through the Academy at that time. Wayne’s career began in Troop C as road trooper, he was an EVOC trainer, and became Pilot for the airwing in 1996 and promoted to Pilot Supervisor in 1999. Wayne finished his career as Pilot Supervisor Oct. 31, 2014. Wayne always said, “I got on my broom and flew away.” Wayne previously worked at the Waterville Fire Department as Engine #2 Driver and volunteer firefighter along with his great friend, Mike Spaulding. He also ran the mobile lunch wagon from 1982 to 1989. He enjoyed serving his customers, most becoming lifelong friends. Wayne joined the Masons in 1992 and received his 30 year pin. Wayne was currently the Master of Rural Lodge #53, Sidney. He was also a member of the Messalonskee Lodge #113. He was involved in the Mason’s various activities Books for Bikes, Strawberry Festival and the annual Pig Roast which he organized.

Wayne enjoyed his retirement years attending car shows with his baby, the bright red Cobra, winning many trophies. Sue and Wayne also drove to many “Drive-Ins” throughout the state in his Cobra. Lomer Pelletier, his best friend, traveled with Wayne looking for Ford Mustangs, attending car shows and auctions in Florida, Pennsylvania and Maine. Wayne was also a active member of Winterport Raceway along with Jeff, his son, Ben, his grandson and Lomer. Wayne and Sue traveled during their 49-year marriage throughout the U.S. and to Alaska, Africa, Bermuda, cruises in the Carribbean and Indonesia working on completing their “bucket list.” Wayne and Sue also enjoyed square dancing around the state and square dancing camping weekends with many new friends.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Susan; along with their son, Tony Ireland with granddaughter, Joslyn; son, Jeff Ireland with grandson Benjamin and fiancee Ashley Clark with step-grandchildren, Caleb, Cole and Avery; special friend, Lomer Pelletier; sisters Linda Brown (Dennis), Ann Silvius (Bob), sister-in-law, Gina Ireland (Kenny); stepmother, Judy Ireland; stepsister, Wendy McCaslin (John), sister-in-law, Jean Moulton (Ernie); nephews and nieces Bobby Silvius (Karla), Mike Silvius (Cher), Karen Waddell (Daniel), Daniel Ireland (Jason), Nic Ireland (Brandy), Kenny III (Setera), LeAnn Skarupa (Will), Jarret Brown (Susie), Samantha Evans (Jason), Matt Simon, Kelly Bilodeau (Marc), Shannon Campbell (Bruce) and Kimberly Dorval (Roland).

Wayne was predeceased by his father, Ken Ireland and mother, Vera Brown, stepfather, Woody Brown; brother, Kenny Ireland Jr., brother-in-law, Robert Silvius; in-laws Fleurent (Babe) and Stella Quirion; sister-in-law, Irene Steward, brother-in-law, David Steward, brother-in-law, Ernest Moulton.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on June 2, Sunday at the Messalonskee Lodge #113, 21 Oak St., Oakland at 1 p.m.

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