1944 – 2015

GREENWOOD — Wayne E. Hakala, 70, of Greenwood passed away on Thursday, March 26, after a two-year battle with cancer.

Wayne was born in Norway Dec. 20, 1944, a son of Stanley E. Hakala and Katherine E. (Morey). He attended Greenwood City School, graduated from West Paris High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Maine Community College.

Wayne met his wife, Anita Pierce, at a dance at the Locke Mills Town Hall. They were married Dec. 4, 1965.

Wayne joined the United States Air Force in 1965. He served a twelve-month tour at Tan Son Nhut Air Force Base during the Vietnam War, retiring in August 1985 as a master sergeant in the Civil Engineering Division.

For the past 39 years, Wayne has been a member of the American Legion Post 150, Mechanic Falls and Post 68, Locke Mills. He served as post commander for eight years and Fifth District commander of Oxford County. He was also a member of Jefferson Lodge 100, Bryant Pond.

Wayne was active as a past fire chief for the Town of Greenwood and also served as a selectman and Planning Board member.

He is survived by his wife, Anita; his brothers, Raymond and wife, Noreen, South Paris; Stephen and wife, Anita, Norway; Timothy and wife, Cindy, Harrison; sisters, Judith, New Hampshire, and Karen and husband, Timothy Hutchisen, Norway; brother-in-law, Bruce Pierce and wife, Arlene, Auburn; six nephews; five nieces; five great-nephews; six great-nieces; plus uncles, aunts, cousins and many dear friends, including “Chief” Al Curtis and wife, Roberta; and Doreen and Harold Wilbur.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude for the love and care provided by Beacon Hospice, Dr. Medd and nurses, Shelly, Wendy, Bethany, Patty-Ann and Linda at the Stephens Memorial Hospital infusion room.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.