Obituary of Lloyd V. Blethen

Lloyd V. “Chip” Blethen, 77, passed unexpectedly Sept. 6, 2024 at his home in Brewer. He was born May 3, 1947 in Dover-Foxcroft, the son of Lloyd V. And Elizabeth E. (York) Blethen.                    

Lloyd was a 1966 graduate Presque Isle High School. As the oldest of 6 siblings he enjoyed his role of big brother while growing up in such a close knit family and community. Chip was very proud of his family and upbringing.  He married his high school sweetheart Joan Barnes June 25, 1967 prior to being drafted into the US Army where he served our country in the Vietnam War. There he received several medals of commendation and he completed his service at Aberdeen proving grounds in Maryland. 

He attended Maine Criminal Justice Academy launching his career at Bangor Police Department where he served his community for greater than 20 years. During that career he attended several schools and achieved the rank of lieutenant prior to retirement. A portion of his career was spent as a commanding officer of the B.I.D.E drug task force. His commitment to his country and community is just a small portion of his legendary work ethic and dedication to serve others. 

After a brief retirement he embarked on a second career with Uniship currier service initially as a part time driver and ending his career as director. During that time he forged many wonderful relationships and gained a second family. 

Above all his achievements, his family was of the greatest importance to him. From tormenting his younger siblings to being a mentor and hero to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed being not just a Grampa but being a great Grampa, the reward for being such a good Grampa as he would say. All that knew him enjoyed his quick-wit gift of storytelling and his generosity, giving tirelessly of himself. 

Surviving in addition to his mother of Bangor are two daughters, Stacy Thompson of Hermon and Melissa Clark and her husband, Kenny of Brewer; four grandchildren, Michael Chasson and his wife Erin of Brewer, Allison Leclair and her husband, Tyler of Augusta, Elizabeth Clark of Glenburn and Joshua Clark of Hermon; three great grandchildren, Madeline and Avery Chasson and Tyson Leclair; brothers and sisters, Constance Leppert of Bangor, Marilyn Brewer of Presque Isle, Doug Blethen and his wife, Patricia of Brunswick, Diane Breeding and her husband, Flint of Texas and Matthew Blethen and his wife, Rebecca of Springfield, VA; several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may visit 4 – 6 PM Thursday, Sept 12, 2024 at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer. A celebration of life with light refreshments will be held 2 – 5 PM Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 at Jeff’s Catering & Event Center, 15 Event Center Way, Brewer. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Critical Care, c/o St. Joseph Health Foundation, PO Box 403, Bangor, ME 04402. Messages and memories of Chip maybe shared with his family on the tribute wall of kileyandfoley.com.