CAPE ELIZABETH- Harold E. Leland, 76, passed away on September 13, 2014, at The Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine after a heroic fight with cancer for 2 years. Harold was born in Camden, Maine, on March 3, 1938, to Elizabeth and Charles Leland. He was educated in schools in Rockport, Maine, graduating from Rockport High School in 1956. Upon graduation he tried his hand at lobstering for a few months and then worked in a garage for a short time. He joined the Air Force the following March and served in Korea, being honorably discharged in 1962. Following his military service he had a varied work history beginning as an office worker at Graybar Electric and Western Union, progressing to construction work for many plumbing and heating companies and ending his career in maintenance at a health facility. He also spent a short time early on selling real estate. He especially enjoyed his years working on boats at Bath Iron Works. During his working career, he spent many years working at construction away from his family, which he did happily for the good of his family. He and Harlene Graffam were married in 1964. Harold had many interests, including woodworking, stamp collecting, carving, tole painting, photography, target shooting and genealogy. Over the years he took many classes, including computer classes at Plus Gray School. He also took many classes for enjoyment in painting and carving and also self-improvement classes in welding to further his career. His associations in earlier years were with the Portland Camera Club and the Southern Maine Craftsmen Society, for which he was President for a period of time, and at the time of his death he was a member of Maine Genealogy and the Spurwink Rod and Gun Club. Working on genealogy brought him a lot of pleasure in his later years. Harold enjoyed reading, eating out with his wife and friends and spending time on his computer. He was predeceased by his parents and an infant son. He is survived by his beloved wife of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and son, Joel, of Tucson, Arizona; a brother, Ernest Leland his wife, Carole, and their son, Charles, of Middletown, Rhode Island; an aunt, Faye Leland, of Rockport, Maine; a brother-in-law, Durwood Graffam and his wife, Judie, of Gorham, Maine, and Zephyrhills, Florida; and several cousins. Harold is also survived by two special people, Jonathan Smith of Toronto, Canada, and Dana Smith of Durham, NC, whom he lovingly referred to as his pretend grandchildren. Harold had many health issues in his last years, which he suffered valiantly. He was very loving and uncomplaining in all that life dealt him. Harold’s memory will forever be cherished by his wife and he will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. The family wishes to thank the team at New England Cancer Specialists and Hospice of Southern Maine for their excellent care. At his request, there will be no services, wishing folks to celebrate his life privately.
Arrangements are with Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, (207) 929-3723