Harland Irving Main, 93, of Amesbury, died peacefully Sunday, January 29, 2012 at his home.
He was the husband of Marion (Brush) Main, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. Born in Nashua, NH, November 26, 1918, to the late Lyman E. and Maude (Lockhart) Main, he was the second of their seven children. He graduated from Peterborough High School in NH, Class of 1936 and Becker Junior College in Worcester, MA, Class of 1939.
Harland served honorably in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II on the Island of Guam. Upon discharge from the service, Harland married Marion in 1946 and they settled in Amesbury, where he worked for the Merrimac Hat Company for several years. Taking a position at the Powow River National Bank in 1953 led Harland into a 40 year banking career from which he retired in 1993, as President of the Northeast National Bank, 1979-1993. He worked with his son, Donald, at Don Main Auto Center from 1995 to 2002.
Harland was very active in Amesbury's Main Street Congregational Church, where for over 50 years he served on most committees. He liked to travel and also enjoyed his years of involvement with organizations such as the Indian Guides and the Amesbury Improvement Association; he served the community as a Notary Public for 35 years and also as a Town Meeting Representative.
He served as past president of the Amesbury Country Club, Lions Club and Bartlett Museum, and was a past director of both the YMCA and the local Red Cross Chapter. A sports fan and past president of the Amesbury Little League, he enjoyed coaching his sons on the Yankees. Harland supported many local and town charities such as Veterans, Amesbury School sports and activities, Police Department, Boy/Girl Scouts and he received numerous awards in recognition of his many years of service.
In addition to his wife, Marion, Harland is survived by his sister, Barbara Muzzey of Bath, PA; his two sons, Richard W. Main and wife Donna of Chelmsford, MA and Donald R. Main and Barbara George of Hampton, NH; two daughters, Gaylene C. Main and husband Peter A. Suorsa of Amesbury and Wendy M. Wood and husband Douglas J. Wood, Jr. of Sandown, NH. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kelly L. Main of NH; Kelly A. Melvin and Melissa Jones of NH; Kelsa M. McLaughlin and husband Reid of MD; Kara M. Glad and husband Ryan of CT; Sage M. Suorsa and Brad Parker of MA; Graham M. Suorsa of CA; Maari M. Suorsa of IL; Taylor M. Smith and wife Brooke of NC; Landon M. Smith of NJ; Brienna M. Smith of MA and Larissa M. Smith of MA; along with six great-grandchildren and several generations of nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his five siblings, Elvin E., Robert E., Jairetta A., Shirley and Beverly. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of Harland's nurses and caregivers who provided him such tender loving care.
ARRANGEMENTS: Memorial services will be held at 11 A.M. on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at Main Street Congregational Church, Amesbury. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 4 to 8 P.M. at the Highland Chapel of Paul C. Rogers & Sons Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury. The members of the Amesbury Lions Club will meet at 3:45 P.M. at the Funeral Home on Wednesday. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations or gifts in Harland's memory may be sent to Main Street Congregational Church, 145 Main Street, Amesbury, MA 01913. Online condolences may be made at www.paulcrogersandsons.com
Ex-Rutgers Student Gets 30 Days in Webcam Case
Obama Sees Inspiration in Joplin Graduates
Ravi Spared Prison in Rutgers Webcam Case
Miss. Prison Quiet After Riot; 1 Dead
Obama Confident Afghans Can Take Security Lead
Raw Video: Deadly Bombing at Yemen Parade Preps
Professor: Chinese Activist's 'Spirit Is Good'
Ring of Fire Eclipse Seen in U.S., Asia
Golden Gate Bridge Celebrates 75 Years
G-8 Seeks Unity on Euro-debt Crisis, Iran
Prosecutors: Trio Planned to Attack Obama's HQ
Obama: G8 Unified in Stance on Iran, Syria
