Wayne "Alan" Chetley '69 passes away on Jan. 1
January 1, 2010
On New Year's Day 2010, Wayne "Alan" Chetley of the OHS Class of 1969 passed away unexpectedly. We are greatly saddened by this loss. The text of his obituary appears below:
Wayne “Alan” Chetley, 58, died unexpectedly at his home on January 1, 2010. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 12, 1951, the son of Lois Ann and Alfred Holmes, of Orono, Maine. Alan was raised and educated in Orono, Maine 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 U.S.S. Biddle during Vietnam. Alan was employed for many years by the United States 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. Over 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. Besides his parents, he is survived by his long-time love and companion Lori, his daughter Heather Hinds of Portland, ME, sister BJ Rioux and Geoff MacAdie of Raymond, NH, brothers Curt Holmes and Margaret Weigang of Winterport, ME, Kent Holmes and Alice Holmes of Enfield, NH., nephews Mat Merrill, Chris Merrill, Josh Roberts, and Cameron Holmes, niece Mhairi Holmes, and a multitude of friends throughout the greater Orono and Bangor area. A funeral service will be held 1pm Tuesday January 5, at Brookings – Smith LaBeau Chapel 72 Main St., Orono, with Pastor Steve Smith of the Orono United Methodist Church, officiating. Friends are invited to call from 12 noon until the time of service. Following the service relatives and friends are invited to share conversation and refreshments at the Red Room, of Pats 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