Donald R. Record passed away April 4, 2008, after a short illness. He was 87.
Born in Biddeford, Maine, the son of Wallace R. and Minnie A. (Carle) Record Sr., Donald was 9th of 15 children. Raised during the depression and a New Englander to the core, he was hard-working, kind and appreciated a dry wit. His quiet demeanor was a ruse; with little coaxing he would tell one of his many stories or share his opinions on current events. At family gatherings and parties, Don often chose to observe from afar only to have drawn a crowd by night's end.
Like many men of his era, he served his country after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Don enlisted in the Marines and served many years in the South Pacific. He fought under the harshest of circumstances in Guadalcanal and on several of the Solomon Islands. Those years made a deep impression upon him; his war stories were as beguiling as they were haunting.
Upon returing from the war, Don married the "girl next door", Marilyn Haley, his partner and best friend for over 60 years. Together they raised four children: Ernest, Eric, Carol and Cathy. In his later years, Don was the beloved "Grandpa" to Megan, David, Eric, Esther, Shana, Carmon and Lori.
Don was predeceased by his son Eric, his parents and brothers Clayton, Arthur, Wallace Jr., Earle, and Leroy; sisters Mildred Danis, Hazel Rogers, and Lorene Harmon.He is survived by by his wife, son Ernest; daughters Carol and Cathy; brothers Herbert and Paul; sisters Gladys Pate-Simpson and Arlene Coburn of Maine, Doris Kemp of Ohio, and June Michel of Texas.
A self taught master machinist and a brilliant gardner, Don also clammed, fished, canoed and hunted. He will forever be remembered by friends and family for his long daily walks in the woods. He was a 55 year member of the Masonic Lodge, Arion No. 162 F&AM, in Goodwins Mills, ME.
Arrangements were under the directions of Richard Pierce Funeral Service, 1660 Silverado Trail, in Napa, CA.
Internment was in Hope Cemetery, Kennebunk, ME on Saturday, July 19th, 2008.