Alfred Allen MacMaster, 84, went peacefully to the Lord's arms and reunited with wife Barbara of 56 years Saturday afternoon, October 29, 2011, at the Maine Veteran's Home following a long illness. He was born July 17, 1927, in Forestville, Connecticut to Forrest MacMaster and Ida May Baston-MacMaster. He is survived by a son, Allan 'Butch' MacMaster, his wife Marianne of Randolph, and their daughters Nicole and Morgan; a daughter, Debra Louise Howard, and husband Peter of South Gardiner; their children Katie-Marie Howard and Dana Alan Howard, Eric Howard and wife Mandi of Readfield and their son Easton; a daughter Anne-Marie Billings, and husband Nick of Keene, New Hampshire and their daughter Maddison. Alfred is also survived by a loving brother, Clyde MacMaster, of South Gardiner, as well as many nieces and nephews.He earned his GED from the Gardiner School District before joining the United States Navy and serving in WWII. After an Honorable Discharge, he joined the United States Army and retired after 33 years in the Army National Guard at Camp Keyes in Augusta as a Master Sargent working in the field of Calibrations.After going stir-crazy at home, he obtained a part-time job working as a courier for Key Bank and Gardiner Savings. He was a lifetime member of the Masons, Chapter Council, Master of the Commandery and Marion Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.His life's enjoyments include gardening, hunting, fishing, golfing, camping and traveling with his wife and family, including a lifelong dream to drive cross-country to sight-see in Alaska.Alfred is known to most people as one with a great sense of humor, always playing practical jokes and who had a gag for every occasion. Most importantly, he was a gentleman to everyone he met. A special thanks is given to all of his healthcare workers who helped him in his last years.Gramps, Al, Dad and Sunshine-you will be forever missed!!In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude's Children's hospital.Visiting hours will be Wednesday, November 2, from 6-8 pm at Staples Funeral Home 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, where a celebration of his life will be at 10 am Thursday, November 3. Committal service with military honors will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Gardiner. Following the committal, there will be a gathering at the Sportsman's Club in Gardiner.