OWLS HEAD – Uno R. Ilvonen, 64, died Thursday, September 7, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his family after a gallant battle against pancreatic cancer.
Born in Rockland, August 17, 1953, he was the son of Richard W. and Margaret Packard Ilvonen.

Uno grew up on his family's farm in Owls Head, where he learned his tenacious work ethic at a young age by doing chores, cutting wood and plowing snow. Uno learned to drive his father's Mack truck at the age of four. He was known for his love for trucks ever since.

Uno attended Owls Head and Rockland schools, graduating from Rockland District High School in 1971. Marrying the love of his life, Darla L. Teel, in Rockland on September 17, 1982, Uno and Darla made their home in Owls Head, where they raised their three children. Their home was always a safe haven for many friends, neighbors and family.

Beginning with one truck and a backhoe, Uno started his construction business, which was known as U.R. Ilvonen Earthmoving. Uno's years of hard work and dedication turned his business into one of the most well- known construction companies in Knox County. Deciding it was time for a change, he sold his business to Jake Barbour, Inc. After three years of semi-retirement, Uno found himself unable to sit still and started a paving company, Performance Paving, with his sons. When he wasn't on the job site, Uno could be found tinkering around the shop or behind his desk doing countless hours of paperwork. His determination and perseverance to succeed was a trait he always tried to instill in his children. Uno was a true entrepreneur, whether as a real estate developer or business owner.

Living and driving in the fast-lane was a signature part of Uno's personality. An avid race enthusiast, Uno holds the fastest Drag Record at Winterport Raceway. He often participated in Bike Week at Daytona Beach. His favorite memories involved riding his Harley and spending time with his kids. The person he cherished most in his life was his wife, Darla. Uno loved having family and friends at their winter home in Florida. He faced each day of his life with a winning attitude. Uno's motto was, "Life is what you make of it". Having such a big heart, Uno put his family first and was always there lending a hand, making him a friend to many.

Uno was pre-deceased by his mother in 1995; his beloved wife Darla in 2011 and his sister, Shelby L. Pare this past March. He is survived by his father Richard W. Ilvonen; his children, Uno J. 'Jake' Ilvonen, Teel R. Ilvonen, Kalli L. Ilvonen all of Owls Head; his grandson, Taavi Ilvonen of Owls Head; his brother, Charles F. Knight and his wife Cathy of Birmingham, AL; his sister, Tracey Richardson and her husband Kevin of Camden; his loving companion, Ramona Campbell; his brother-in-law, Roger Pare both of Owls Head; his niece and nephews, Casey Knight Bass, Chris Knight and Wyatt Berry, as well as many extended family members.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 15th. Interment will follow in Ocean View Cemetery, South Thomaston. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bob Gagnon Cancer Care Fund, C/O Pen Bay Healthcare Foundation, 22 White Street, Rockland, ME 04841, or to the Owls Head Fire Department, 335 North Shore Drive, Owls Head, ME 04854. To share a story or memory with Uno's family, please visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.