Philip N. Golding

SMITHFIELD -- Philip N. Golding, 87, died unexpectedly on May 3, 2011.

He was born in Danforth on May 3, 1924, the son of George and Olive (Estabrook) Golding. He graduated from Danforth High School and attended The Bartlett Tree and Landscaping Service School.

He served in the Army during World War II and was part of the first Convoy over the Burma Road into China.

Philip lived many years in Silver Spring, Md., and was employed as a landscaper and tree surgeon, working throughout the Washington, D.C., area including Arlington National Cemetery and on the Dean Atchinson Estate. He retired to the Oakland area in 1986.

In his younger years, Philip enjoyed hunting and brook fishing. Following his retirement, he became an avid golfer and enjoyed reading.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Merle Golding, Donald Golding, Pearl Tuck and Arnold "Bobbie" Golding. Surviving are his wife, Marjorie, with whom he would have celebrated 61 years of marriage on May 11, 2011; his children, Colleen Golding, of Fairfield, Eileen Lynch, of Winthrop, William Golding, of Bangor, Phyllis Spires, of Smithfield and MariAnne Golding, of Skowhegan; grandchildren Brian Lynch and wife Amber, of Livermore Falls, Samantha Spires, of Bangor, Megan Lynch, of Seattle, Zachary Golding of Bangor, Nicholas Golding, stationed with the Air Force at Fort Mccord, Wash., and Anthony Spires of Skowhegan; sister-in-law Dorothy Golding Merrill and husband Dr. Stanley Merrill, of Oakland; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, at Oakland United Baptist Church, 47 Church St., Oakland. Burial will follow at Gould Cemetery in Smithfield. Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Oakland United Baptist Church, 47 Church St., Oakland; or the Maine Game Warden Canine Search and Rescue.