Linwood Dane Dyer

He grew up in Scarborough attending local schools. During his early years, he was with Three Ports Studio, and following high school he moved to New York to attend Theater College and Dance in New York. Linwood had been involved with the production of hundreds of plays throughout his 70 year career. Linwood came back to Maine in the early 1950’s and was involved with the Portland Players and Lyric Theater. He also did summer stock at the Barnstormers in New Hampshire for many years and taught dance and theater classes.

Linwood had been active on stage and directing choreography. He was a board member and president of the Lyric Theater and you name it. He was also an excellent set designer and builder. In 2002, he was awarded the Jefferson Award for the Enrichment of the Arts. He was also recognized by the State of Maine for his contribution to the arts.

Linwood was active right up to his last 3 days, directing people, moving them around, rearranging furniture and giving out much advice at Fallbrook Woods Residential Facility. He always had an opinion to share. This past spring he was awarded The Remember Me Award, a program of the Maine Health Care Association. Linwood inspired many children throughout his life and many went on to professional careers.

He is survived by his lifetime friend, Donald B. Drew of Cumberland, his extended Lyric Theater family, his new extended family at Fallbrook Woods and the many caregivers over the past 3 years. Also, a special thanks to Bill Cochrin and Jonathan Beal for being there for Linwood.

A memorial service and celebration of Linwood’s life will be held Monday, at 10 am from the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. The Rev Philip Shearman will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Lyric Music Theater, 176 Sawyer St., So. Portland, Me. 04106. Please visit www.jonesrichhutchins for further information and to sign Linwood’s guestbook.