Donald H. Ireland, 84, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2015, unexpectedly in Anchorage, Alaska. He was born July 19, 1930 in Presque Isle, the son of Henry Ireland and Blanch (Jordan) Ireland.
Donald was in the class of 1949. He served in the US Navy from 1947-1950. He visited 39 countries while serving. Donald worked at the Presque Isle Air Force Base Civil Service from 1950-61 as a plumber steam fitter. He was the President of the National Federation of Federal Employees. Donald was instrumental in getting bumping rights for the Presque Isle A.F.B. employees when the base closed in 1961. He was then transferred to Loring A.F.B. in Limestone where he worked as a contract inspector replacing base heating temperature hot water lines, in order to correct safety problems and maintenance defects. He was also the manager of the Northern Lanes Bowling Alley in Presque Isle from 1969-74, with the help of his son-in-law, Galen. In 1974, Donald was transferred to Elmendorf A.F.B. in Anchorage, AK to the 5099th Civil Engineering Squadron civilian plumber steam fitter, where he was promoted to Chief of Maintenance #2, responsible for all maintenance on AC/W radar sites. He also worked in the plumber shop as a foreman. In 1980, Donald was promoted to Mechanical Superintendent. In 1983, he was again promoted, this time to Deputy Chief Operations WS18 21 Civil Engineering Squadron. He held that position until he retired in October 1989, having served his country, military and civil service for 42 years.
Donald was Exalted Ruler, B.P.O.E., 1954 in Presque Isle; State President, Maine Elks Association; Scholarship Chairman; and was a member of the Moose Lodge #1534 from 1986 to the present, as well as being nominated Civic Leader.
Donald loved swimming, getting into a hot tub, watching harness and dog racing, bowling, dancing, traveling and loved his family. He also loved to spend his time divided between Alaska, Maine and Florida.
Donald is survived by his wife of 34 years, Arlene (Burns) Ireland of Orono; daughters, Pat Good and husband, Galen, and Shirley Ireland; son, Donald Ireland of Seward, AK; stepson, Eric Ellsmore and wife, Angie of Brunswick; stepdaughter, Laurie and Robin Bardes of Acworth, GA; sister, Marie Johnson of Easton; his precious 10 grandchildren, John of Presque Isle, Jerry and wife, Renee of Tuscola, TX, Jamie and wife, Amy of Meredith, NH, Jason and wife, Jennifer of Hermon, Chris and husband, Jeff of Anchorage, AK, Kerri Higley and her husband of Germany, Ryan Ellsmore of Brunswick, Kyle Leighton of Brunswick, and Austin and Brandon Bardes of Acworth, GA; his cherished great grandchildren, Brittany and Julia of Presque Isle, Whitney and Estelle of Meredith, NH, Brooklyn, Trey and Kaden of Hermon, John Trueblood, Jr. of Anchorage, AK, and Krista and Lucas of Germany. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Jean; sister, Helen; brother-in-law, Cecil; and niece, Sherry Cowett. He loved his family very much and adored the grandchildren and great grandchildren and many dear, lifelong friends, especially Uncle Arden and Aunt Mary Jordan of CT. He will be sadly missed by everyone!
A memorial service will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St. Bangor, with Rev. Grace Bartlett, officiating. Family and friends are welcome to share in conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St. Bangor, immediately following the service. Interment will be private for the family. Condolences may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
Donald was in the class of 1949. He served in the US Navy from 1947-1950. He visited 39 countries while serving. Donald worked at the Presque Isle Air Force Base Civil Service from 1950-61 as a plumber steam fitter. He was the President of the National Federation of Federal Employees. Donald was instrumental in getting bumping rights for the Presque Isle A.F.B. employees when the base closed in 1961. He was then transferred to Loring A.F.B. in Limestone where he worked as a contract inspector replacing base heating temperature hot water lines, in order to correct safety problems and maintenance defects. He was also the manager of the Northern Lanes Bowling Alley in Presque Isle from 1969-74, with the help of his son-in-law, Galen. In 1974, Donald was transferred to Elmendorf A.F.B. in Anchorage, AK to the 5099th Civil Engineering Squadron civilian plumber steam fitter, where he was promoted to Chief of Maintenance #2, responsible for all maintenance on AC/W radar sites. He also worked in the plumber shop as a foreman. In 1980, Donald was promoted to Mechanical Superintendent. In 1983, he was again promoted, this time to Deputy Chief Operations WS18 21 Civil Engineering Squadron. He held that position until he retired in October 1989, having served his country, military and civil service for 42 years.
Donald was Exalted Ruler, B.P.O.E., 1954 in Presque Isle; State President, Maine Elks Association; Scholarship Chairman; and was a member of the Moose Lodge #1534 from 1986 to the present, as well as being nominated Civic Leader.
Donald loved swimming, getting into a hot tub, watching harness and dog racing, bowling, dancing, traveling and loved his family. He also loved to spend his time divided between Alaska, Maine and Florida.
Donald is survived by his wife of 34 years, Arlene (Burns) Ireland of Orono; daughters, Pat Good and husband, Galen, and Shirley Ireland; son, Donald Ireland of Seward, AK; stepson, Eric Ellsmore and wife, Angie of Brunswick; stepdaughter, Laurie and Robin Bardes of Acworth, GA; sister, Marie Johnson of Easton; his precious 10 grandchildren, John of Presque Isle, Jerry and wife, Renee of Tuscola, TX, Jamie and wife, Amy of Meredith, NH, Jason and wife, Jennifer of Hermon, Chris and husband, Jeff of Anchorage, AK, Kerri Higley and her husband of Germany, Ryan Ellsmore of Brunswick, Kyle Leighton of Brunswick, and Austin and Brandon Bardes of Acworth, GA; his cherished great grandchildren, Brittany and Julia of Presque Isle, Whitney and Estelle of Meredith, NH, Brooklyn, Trey and Kaden of Hermon, John Trueblood, Jr. of Anchorage, AK, and Krista and Lucas of Germany. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Jean; sister, Helen; brother-in-law, Cecil; and niece, Sherry Cowett. He loved his family very much and adored the grandchildren and great grandchildren and many dear, lifelong friends, especially Uncle Arden and Aunt Mary Jordan of CT. He will be sadly missed by everyone!
A memorial service will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St. Bangor, with Rev. Grace Bartlett, officiating. Family and friends are welcome to share in conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St. Bangor, immediately following the service. Interment will be private for the family. Condolences may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
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