PORTLAND – Erland B. Starbird, 77, of Oxford, ended his days on this earth in the arms of his loving family on Monday, Aug. 21.

He was born in Turner, on May 9, 1929, the son of carpenter Harry E. Starbird and Nellie M. (Sennett). His desire to work, a legacy passed down from his parents, was his trademark. From the minute he could walk, he wanted to be useful. He started his career at age eight, shingling roofs with his father. He had many skills and was quick to help a friend or neighbor in need. He tinkered in his workshop up to the day he died.

He married the love of his life, Della F. Wilkinson on May 10, 1950. They lived their 56 years to the fullest. Of his wife and family, he would often say, “I got lucky where it counts.” They built their homes and raised their family on Thompson Lake and lived there for 43 years.

He graduated from Gorham State Teacher’s College in 1963, and received his master’s degree in education in 1969. He taught industrial arts at Oxford Hills High for 26 years, retiring in 1989. He was a master home builder and built many homes along the shores of Thompson Lake.

He became concerned about potential contamination of Thompson Lake in the 1970s, and became the first president of Thompson Lake Environmental Association, serving for two terms in that capacity.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather first, but he was also a snow skier, ski coach, driver education instructor, singer and guitar player, writer, reader, country music fan, dancer, sailor, golfer, machinist, hunter, fisherman and a lover of the state of Maine.

He leaves behind his wife, Della; daughters, Bonney of Auburn and her husband, Andre Pelletier, Valorie of Greenville and her husband, Keith Smith and Pamella of Lewiston and her husband, Rene Beliveau; sister, Thurlie and her husband, Richard Fish, of California; seven grandchildren, DJ, Kevin and Nathaniel Sipe, Samantha and Courtney Pelletier, Megan and Sylvia Beliveau; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his mother and father; and his brother, Harry E. Starbird Jr.