Lanny Bowden Rackliff Obituary (1951

ROCKLAND - Lanny Bowden Rackliff, 63, died peacefully Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at his home. Born in Rockland, November 10, 1951, he was the son of Alvin and Norma Ranquist Rackliff. Growing up in St. George, Lanny was a 1970 graduate of Georges Valley High School. In Lanny's own words, he has always been a 'jack of all trades, master of none.' Over the years, he has worked as a boiler repairman, lobsterman, small engine repair, and general handyman work. Most recently Lanny has owned and operated American Fire and Safety, inspecting and selling fire extinguishers. Known as a 'tinkerer' he was always working on cars, often switching out the steering wheel just to go for a drive. Lanny was fiercely loyal to friends and family. He would literally give you the shirt off his back if you were in need. But make no mistake, with his red hair and firey disposition, you never had to wonder what Lanny was thinking. He loved 'road trips', especially on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. His children remember many camping trips and mackerel fishing trips. In recent years, Lanny has enjoyed frequenting Winks Swap Shop at Rockland Transfer Station and could wheel and deal with the best of them. He had an infectious smile that made everyone like him. He is truly a one of a kind character. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Predeceased by his father Alvin Rackliff; and two sisters, Bonnie DeWolfe in 1995 and Brenda 'Jane' Llera in 2013; Lanny is survived by his mother Norma Rackliff of Spruce Head; his son Benjamin Bowden Rackliff of Cushing; his daughters Amberley 'Amy' Benoit of Camden, Jessie Cooper and her companion Mark Farquhar of Warren; four grandchildren, Emileigh Farquhar, Lana Massengale, Keith Massengale, Jr., Madison Main; his companion Marilynn Reynolds of Rockland; two brothers, Dennis A. Rackliff and his wife Patricia, Bradley Rackliff and his wife Juliann all of Spruce Head; two sisters, Sandra Vose and her husband Ronald, Elaine Taylor and her husband Steven all of Spruce Head; the mother of his children with whom he remained close, Kimberly Cooper-Stillson of Auburn; Keith Massengale, Sr. whom he thought of as a son; many nieces and nephews; and too many friends to count. Family and friends are invited to visit from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, July 17, 2015 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, Maine 04841. A graveside celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at Ocean View Cemetery, South Thomaston. The Reverend Ron Turner will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Maine, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.2d:{"dateTime":"2015-07-