FARMINGTON — Blaine F. Howard, 55, of Holley Road, Farmington, died unexpectedly of natural causes early Sat. morning, Dec. 6, 2008 at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

He was born May 5, 1953, in Farmington, the son of Ivan and Lillian

(Wyman) Howard, Sr. He graduated

from Mt. Blue High School, Class of 1971.

He served with the Franklin County Sheriff's Department and Detention Center for the past 30 years. This past April, he was honored for his 30 years of service. On Jan. 28, 2002, Blaine was recognized by Sheriff Dennis Pike for his lifesaving efforts concerning an inmate at the County Jail. He was an unselfish individual who put others' needs before his own. He had a witty humor and loved a good joke. He loved spending time with his family and inherited grandchildren.

Blaine will be sadly missed by his beloved Golden Retriever "Buddy Bear Howard." West Cairnie was a very special grandson to Grampa Blaine. They were fishing buddies at Green Lake.

Blaine is survived by his wife, Roberta J. (Pinkham) Howard of Farmington; two brothers, Ivan Howard Jr. and his wife, Jean, of Farmington, Denis Howard and his wife, Linda, of Belfast; one sister, Shelba Jean Howard Daggs Frazer of Lady Lake, Fla.; his inherited children, Linda Lisherness of New Vineyard, N. Scott Lisherness and his wife, Kelley, of Industry, Pamela Cairnie and her husband, David, of Fairfield; six grandchildren, Gunnar Josselyn, Aaron Lisherness, Josh Merrick, Winter, West and Bodhi Grace Cairnie. He is also survived by his nieces, Tiffany Howard, Debbie Howard, Tina Howard and Cindy Howard; and nephews, Denis Howard II, Douglas Howard Jr., Darryl Howard, Kurt Howard, Brent Howard and Aaron Howard.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ivan and Lillian Wyman Howard Sr.; two brothers, Douglas Howard and Larry Howard; an infant sister, Nancy; and a nephew, Troy Howard.

Public memorial services will be held Friday afternoon Dec. 12, 2008, at 1 p.m. from the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd., (Rtes. 2 & 27) Farmington, with Rev. John Gensel officiating. Following services, all are welcome to stay for an informal family reception at the center.

Those who desire may give gifts in his memory to the Franklin Cty. Animal Shelter, 550 Industry Rd. Farmington, Maine 04938.

Condolences may be sent for his family via e-mail to info@wilesrc.com.

Winter entombment at the funeral home. In the springtime, there will be a private family committal service at Lakeview Cemetery, Wilton.