ORRINGTON, ME - Alan Lancaster, 56, crossed over Jan. 23, 2011. He was born Dec. 7, 1954, in Lincoln, and was the loving son of Dale and Cheryl (Oliver) Lancaster. Alan's spirit was adventurous and courageous, and his heart was huge. He had a passion for nature and all beings great and small. He believed in treading lightly on the earth and helping all those in need. His zest for adventure and nature was shown in much of what he set out to do in his life. For example, Alan hiked the Appalachian Trail during summer 1973, just after graduating from Brewer High School. Alan also traveled out west and explored Dominica. He worked as a carpenter for most of his life, but Alan also crafted masterpieces for fun, many of which are still enhancing the landscape of Dominica. He loved kayaking and canoeing, and spent a lot of his leisure time on the Allagash and St. John River with his grandfather, his uncles, cousins and his life mate, Nanci. Alan was fond of the ocean and kayaked to many of the islands in his spare time. Another passion of Alan's was gourmet cooking and he loved to share the bounty he created, particularly spicy food! His other pastimes included gardening and animals. Alan is loved and will be missed by his life mate and best friend, Nanci Lawler; his dad, Dale Lancaster; his sister, Shelly West and her husband, Arthur West; sister, Mona Legassie and her husband, David Legassie; three nephews, Travis and Jason Legassie and Aaron Faulkingham; his niece, Jenny Randall and her husband, Mike Randall; and two great-nieces, Ashley and Whitney Randall. He was predeceased by his mom, Cheryl Lancaster; numerous felines and canines; and also by Mr. Bill, his pet goat. A special thanks to all at New Hope Hospice for their care and kindness. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. Donations may be made in his memory to The Animal Orphanage, P.O. Box 565, Orono, ME 04473.