ROCKLAND — Lanny Bowden Rackliff, 63, died peacefully July 7, 2015, at his home.

Born in Rockland on Nov. 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 worked as a boiler repairman, lobsterman, small engine repair and general handyman. Most recently Lanny 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 fiery 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 enjoyed frequenting Winks Swap Shop at the Rockland Transfer Station, and could wheel and deal with the best of them. He had an infectious smile that made everyone like him. He was 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, and Jessie Cooper and her companion, Mark Farquhar, of Warren; four grandchildren, Emileigh Farquhar, Lana Massengale, Keith Massengale Jr., and Madison Main; his companion, Marilynn Reynolds of Rockland; two brothers, Dennis A. Rackliff and his wife, Patricia, and Bradley Rackliff and his wife, Juliann, all of Spruce Head; two sisters, Sandra Vose and her husband, Ronald, and 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 Friday, July 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A graveside celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, July 21 at 11 a.m. at Ocean View Cemetery, South Thomaston. The Rev. Ron Turner will officiate.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Maine, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.