A celebration of the life of golfer Pat Cailler was held Aug. 11 at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Lewiston.

Bill Kennedy, Golf Columnist

Pat was the last of the original members of the Fairlawn Country Club, founded in 1963. And it is believed by some Maine State Golf Association officials that he was the oldest golfer in Maine. He turned 98 in March, passing away on April 3.

What was significant about Pat as a golfer was not the number of championships he won. Yes, he did capture the Fairlawn club championship at age 60. Plus, he did record holes-in-one at age 85 and 90. And the ace recorded at 90 was during a round of 86, so it helped him to shoot his age, something he did several times.

What really set Pat Cailler apart from others was his personality. To play 18 holes with him was a wonderful experience. He was funny. He could give sound golf advice. He told entertaining golf stories. He even could provide meaningful advice on the game of life.

Among Fairlawn members, Pat and his late wife, Dot, were the No. 1 member family. That has pretty much been their title since Fairlawn opened. They were a beloved couple.

Dot worked in the Fairlawn pro shop, while Pat was a volunteer who enjoyed projects which improved and beautified the golf course. Both excelled in what they contributed to Fairlawn.

Pat grew up in Lewiston, where he was a distinguished athlete in the Lewiston High School Class of 1943. He was a fullback on two undefeated Lewiston High School football teams, a star on the LHS hockey team, which qualified for the New England championship, and a catcher on its baseball team. He continued to play hockey into his 50s, before limiting his sports to bowling and golf.

Ronaldo “Pat” Cailler — may he rest in peace.

*****

In the New England Golf Association Junior Championship Aug. 9-10 at the Manchester Country Club in Manchester, Vermont, the Haylock sisters of Turner Highlands represented Maine.

Ruby Haylock (79-85-78—242) finished 10th and Jade Haylock (87-88-88—263) was 15th in a field of 18 Women. Maine finished fifth in the team standings.

*****

Upcoming Maine State Golf Association Play Days are: Men — Aug. 19-20 at Sugarloaf; and women — Aug. 16 at Cape Neddick and Rockland.

Bill Kennedy, a retired New Jersey golf writer and editor now residing on Thompson Lake in Otisfield, is in his 10th season as Sun Journal golf columnist.