Elwyn W. "Birthday Man" Lancaster

LINCOLN - Elwyn W. Lancaster, 92, passed away March 14, 2010, at Care Ridge Estates, Lee. A longtime resident of South Lincoln, he was born there April 17, 1917, the son of Charles and Flora (Kimball) Lancaster. Elwyn was a World War II veteran having been stationed in France. It was during the war that Elwyn began wearing mismatched socks, having heard that doing so would bring him good luck and he would live a long and healthy life. Upon his return from the war, he worked at Lincoln Pulp and Paper, retiring May 1, 1982, with no absences, no lost time injuries and was never late for work. This was an accomplishment which made him very proud and he would often show the plaque he received which recognized his 42 years of dedicated and faithful service. Elwyn had a remarkable memory for dates and numbers and was known in the community as the "Birthday Man." He loved to greet people by their birth dates as he sat at McDonald's. Often times, he would receive birthday cards signed only with birth dates. He could recite hundreds of birthdays, anniversaries and social security numbers. He was even interviewed by the local news station for this tremendous talent. Elwyn is survived by two daughters, Gaylene Tash and her husband, Darrell, of Chester, and Lynnette Riel of Plattsburgh, N.Y.; five grandchildren, Mark Tash and his wife, Bonnie, of Enfield, Rene Kein and her husband, Pat, of Chester, Vonnette Towle, Angela Snook and her husband, James, of Plattsburgh, N.Y., and Alycia Tash of Chester; 11 great-grandchildren, Dustin, Steven, Dylan, Brittany, Myranda, Tashon, Zachary, Brody, Nycia, Emma and Gabriel; several nieces and nephews. He also leaves a brother-in-law, Corbett Arnold and his wife, Christine; sisters-in-law, Betty Lancaster and Dorothy Thurlow; very special neighbors, Bob and Winifred Brooks, and Reginald Drinkwater and dear friend, Helen Shorey. In addition to his wife of 56 years, Emma "Betty" Lancaster, he was predeceased by a son-in-law, Joseph Riel; and siblings, Felecity Lancaster, Helen Lowe, Emily Yost, Robert Lancaster and Olan Lancaster. The family thanks the staff members at Care Ridge Estates for the excellent care given to Elwyn. He loved them dearly. Friends may call 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln, where funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday with Robert Arnold officiating. Spring interment will be at South Lincoln Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Care Ridge Activity Fund, 35 Ridge Road, Lee, ME 04455. Those who wish may sign an online register and leave written condolences at www.clayfuneralhome.com.