Harland W. Banks

Harland W. Banks, 75
GORHAM -- Harland W. Banks, 75, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully with family members at his side on April 6, 2011, at the Hope Hospice in Fort Myers Fla.
Born in Portland, Harley was the son of William Henry Banks and Thelma Pride Banks. He graduated from Windham High School, class of 1953, and attended the University of Maine in Orono and the Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute. He has been a resident of Gorham since 1963 and has wintered in Fort Myers, Fla., for the past 13 years.
Harley was a successful self-made businessman. He owned and operated Dodge Oil Company in Gorham for 35 years - a company founded by his father-in-law, John W. Dodge. He left an indelible impression upon many in both business and personal relationships throughout the greater Portland area.
Harely was president and an active member of the Maine Oil Dealers Association and sat on the Maine State Oil and Solid Fuel Licensing Board. In addition, he coached little league baseball and was a director of FOSL (Friends of Sebago Lake) for many years.
Harley was a very proud member of the United States Marine Corps. He had a life-long love affair with his favorite place on earth - Sebago Lake (particularly Harmon's Beach). Harmon's Beach is where he met his other life-long love at the young age of five years old - his future wife, Betty Lou. Boating was his passion. He loved to spend hours cruising in his boat across Sebago Lake with family and friends.
His gentle demeanor, quiet leadership, and soft smile will be sorely missed by his family and the many lives that he touched throughout his years. He was a wonderful role model not only for his sons, but also his grandchildren and many others.
Harley is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Betty Lou; and three sons, Dana Banks and Tracy Charles of Wells, Paul Banks and wife Robbin of West Suffield, Conn., and Jay Banks and wife Jennifer of Gorham. He is survived by eight grandchildren who love and miss their Grampa so much; Harrison, Sydney, Jessica, Daniel, Jackson, Georgia, Griffin, and Hudson Banks. He also left behind cousins; nieces; a brother-in-law; and a nephew. He will be so deeply missed.
Visiting hours will be from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2011, at the Dolby and Dorr Funeral Chapel, 76 State St., Gorham. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2011, at the First Parish Congregational Church, UCC, 1 Church St., Gorham. Burial with military honors will follow in Eastern Cemetery, Gorham. For online condolences, please visit our website at www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com.
In lieu of flowers please
send donations to:
The Access Program - Spring
Harbor Community Services
78 Atlantic Place
South Portland, Maine 04106
or The Friends of Sebago
Lake (FOSL)
P.O. Box 561
Fryeburg, Maine 04037
Harland W. Banks