David William Dixon

WHITEFIELD -- David William Dixon, 61, passed away Friday, May 15, 2009, at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta after complications involved with his heroic battle against pancreatic cancer.

He was born in Lewiston on Nov. 12, 1947, the son of Harry W. Dixon Jr. and Gertrude (Golder) Dixon. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1966, then graduated from the University of Maine, Orono, in 1970 with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering.

David was extremely involved in many community organizations; he was selfless, as is evidenced by his more than 30 years' active involvement with the Coopers Mills Volunteer Fire Department as a wearer of many hats -- most recently, that of assistant chief. He was a leader of the local Boy Scout troop; a member of the Whitefield Fire Department and the Long Range Planning, Comprehensive Planning, and Town Building committees; and an active member of the Whitefield Lions Club.

He spent his professional life on a quest to better develop and understand many elements of environmental protection, focusing on air quality. He had been a registered professional engineer since 1982 and worked for several environmental corporations, including more than 18 years at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Over the years he served on numerous advisory committees and professional societies, and he was a voice of informed input for local and state government. David loved the outdoors and spent much of his free time going to the beach with Gwyn to commemorate having met at the beach, tending to his many flower and vegetable gardens, and golfing with many friends all over the state.

He was predeceased by his mother, Gertrude (Golder) Dixon.

He is survived by his father Harry W. Dixon Jr. of Lewiston; his loving wife of 32 years, Gwyn; their two sons, Todd and wife Kylee of Solon, and Justin and girlfriend Jessica Harrison of Bozeman, Mont.; sister Carol Corson of Skowhegan; and niece Tabetha Kresge and husband John, also of Skowhegan.

Visiting hours will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 18, 2009, at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home-Gray Chapel, 207 Windsor Neck Road in Windsor. A funeral service will be held at the same location at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2009, with graveside services to follow at Coopers Mills Cemetery on Main Street.

The family would like to thank the caring nurses of the Critical Care Unit at MaineGeneral Medical Center and the doctors both at MaineGeneral and at the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care who led the courageous fight against his cancer, giving him a chance to spend the end of his life peacefully and with his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating blood or giving to the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care or the Coopers Mills Volunteer Fire Department New Building Fund.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lawrybrothers.com.

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home-Gray Chapel, 207 Windsor Neck Road, Windsor.