UNION — Wayne M. Upham Sr., 79, passed away peacefully on Jan. 2, 2017, with his wife, Frances (Nan), and son, Wayne Jr., by his side.

Wayne was born in Union on Dec. 18, 1937. He was the eighth of 13 children of Oscar F. Upham and Almacia (Jane) N. Wellman.

Wayne was known for his giving and caring nature. He was always there to help family, friends and acquaintances. He lived his promise to his mother that it is always about family. He brought a smile and a laugh to everyone he knew or met.

Wayne was raised on the Upham farm in North Union, where he began his life-long work ethic at the age of 7 of "doing it right." Wayne attended school in Union. His extensive and varied career involved such occupations as working with granite at the Lincolnville Granite Company, managing and operating a successful poultry farm, trucking eggs, blueberries and farm equipment across the state of Maine, and as a caretaker of the Alden House and Antique Shop for 27 years.

Wayne enjoyed fishing, bowling, the Upham Family Reunion and the Union Senior Citizens Club. He also enjoyed the companionship of the family cat, Angel. Wayne's passion was working outdoors on his tractor. He always had a special sense of personal pride when family, friends and even strangers would comment on the beauty of his yard and home.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Oscar and Almacia (Jane) Upham; his sisters, Juanita, Athlene and Beverly; his brothers, John, Oscar and Reginald; and his son, David.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Frances (Nan) Upham of Union; his son, Wayne M. Upham Jr. and his wife, Nancy, of Hereford, Ariz.; his sisters, Christine Wellman of Washington, Jeanette Grinnell and her husband, Gordon, of Boothbay, Mildred Brooks of Union, Rebecca Ripley of Rockport, Shirley Berry and her husband, Vern, of Union, and Sally Smith and her husband, Robert, of Jefferson; and four generations of nephews and nieces.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, Jan. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hall's of Waldoboro, 949 Main St. in Waldoboro. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m. at the People's United Methodist Church in Union, with the Rev. Ed Bove officiating, followed by a reception after the service at the Union Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Wayne's name may be made to the Union Senior Citizens Club, P.O. Box 124, Union, ME 04862 or the People's United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 105, Union, ME 04862.

Hall's of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements.