Lloyd E. Chandler Sr., 85

NAPLES — Lloyd E. Chandler Sr., 85, of Naples, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2014, at Ledgewood Manor in Windham with his loving wife and family by his side.

One of six children, Lloyd was born in Portland to William and Catherine Chandler. He was raised in Portland and attended Portland schools. He proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine for five years.

Upon leaving the service, Lloyd met and married the former Barbara Travis. Lloyd and Barbara shared more than 63 years of marriage, raising three children together. Always a very hard worker, he taught his children the value of hard work, self-reliance and friendship. He led by example, sometimes working two jobs while tending the small family farm on Ocean Avenue in Portland, to make ends meet. A self-made man, Lloyd always made sure his family was well-cared-for and knew they were loved.

After the family moved to Hamlin Road in Falmouth, Lloyd quickly became friends to all the neighborhood kids, many of whom became lifelong friends. As adults, they joined him on many hunting excursions and trips to camp. A dedicated father and husband, Lloyd was fondly known as Dad, Papa, or Pops to family, and Big Lloyd or Chubbs to all the neighborhood children who adored him. Lloyd always wore a smile and loved to entertain.

Lloyd had worked for Congdon Transportation for more than 22 years when the company sold to Sanborn’s Motor Express. He went on to work at Sanborn's until his retirement. He received several safe driving awards and was known as Happy Chandler to his many customers. After his retirement at age 58, Lloyd worked part-time at Forest City Chevrolet Saab, where he delighted in working with his son, Lloyd Jr.

Lloyd and Barbara fell in love with a one-room cabin on David Pond in Fayette, which they bought and, over time, transformed into a beautiful home where friends and family gathered for holidays, birthdays and special events. Papa taught his grandchildren how to break open clams and fish for sunfish off the dock, and was known for rising early on July 5 to shoot off leftover fireworks, much to their delight. He could be found at any given time piloting the boat for a skier, grilling on the beach in the rain, or bringing in firewood. Longtime friends Tom and Angela Wilson bought the home next door and the two families enjoyed sharing weekends together whenever possible.

Moving onto their next life adventure, Lloyd and Barbara spent winters at their beloved Bonita Beach home, where they enjoyed the sunshine and a wonderful social life with their “Florida” friends.

Besides his parents, Lloyd was predeceased by his brothers, William Jr. (Bud) and Paul, and his sisters, Ruth Boyd, Peggy Beturne, and Catherine Chandler.

Surviving Lloyd, aside from his wife Barbara, are his children, Sandra Cleveland of Raymond, Kathy Johnston of Windham, and Lloyd Jr. of Windham; six grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews; and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Lloyd’s life will be held on Saturday, April 26, at Bruno’s Restaurant, 33 Allen Avenue, Portland, from 12 to 4 p.m. Online condolences may be expressed at blaisandhayfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lloyd’s memory may be made to: Ledgewood Manor Activity Fund, 200 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062, or to The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098.