Bruce Davis Beal

OLD TOWN - Bruce Davis Beal, 70, received his ticket to heaven to be with the Lord, Oct. 12, 2008, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born Jan. 11, 1938, in Old Town, the only son of Cecil and Bernice (Davis) Beal. He was a lifelong resident of Old Town, having graduated from Old Town High School, Class of 1957. While a sophomore at Old Town High School, he joined the Air National Guard and proudly served his country for a total of 37 years. After high school, Bruce furthered his education at Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, Portland and graduated with a degree in building construction. Bruce was a wonderful carpenter. He was employed for 21 years at Owens Illinois and retired after 19 years at the University of Maine, as a boilermaker at the steam plant. He was a member of the Air National Guard Rifle Association, where he received many awards. Bruce was a kind man and would always give a helping hand. He loved hunting, fishing, barbeques, cribbage games, and rides to enjoy the scenery. He enjoyed all types of food, especially cookies and ice cream, but he did not like sushi. He was a special husband, Dad, Grampy and friend. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lynette (Robertson) Beal, whom he enjoyed spending time at their camp on Beech Hill Pond, listening to the loons; his son, Eric, and his hunting and fishing buddy, and his wife, Virginia, who tagged along; his daughter, Susan Robichaud, whom he taught to play cribbage and her husband, Rich, who shared with Bruce the enjoyment of watching a good Patriots game; his twin grandchildren, Josie Robichaud, who loved spending time with her Grampy putting puzzles together and playing her clarinet for him, and Austin Robichaud, who loved to fish with his Grampy because he always put the worms on the hook for him; and a special friend, Harlan Spencer, who took Bruce on many fishing trips in search of "the big one." He is also survived by his dog, Emma, who will miss their walks around the block together. He was predeceased by his parents and a baby, in 1966. The family sends a heartfelt thank you to the caring and compassionate team of staff and volunteers at Hospice of Eastern Maine. Without their help and support, Bruce's final wish of dying at home would not have been possible. Friends may call 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday at United Baptist Church of Old Town, Middle Street. Burial with military honors will be at Lawndale Cemetery, Old Town. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Baptist Church of Old Town, 86 Middle St., Old Town, ME 04468, for the furnace upgrade project; or Hospice of Eastern Maine, 885 Union St., Suite 220, Bangor, ME 04401.