David Lee Hallowell

BELGRADE -- David Lee Hallowell, husband, son, father, brother, uncle and friend passed away Aug. 17, 2011, with loving family at his side, after battling a brain tumor since November 2010.

He was born May 11, 1955, to the late Erland Hallowell and Dorothy Hallowell Knight in Augusta.

He graduated from Messalonskee High School in 1974. Upon graduating, he went to work for Hammond Lumber in Belgrade. In the early '80s he opened a store in Smithfield for a few years. He then went on to start David Hallowell Construction in the mid-'80s. He was a very talented carpenter, building several homes in the area, including his own, which he and his wife cherished. His pride and joy was his business; he worked many hours and weekends. The joy was in working for many people, who came to feel more like extended family over the years.

He enjoyed many hours on Great Pond, a place where he escaped the worries of the world. He took pride in mowing his lawn meticulously; it was always relaxing to him. He loved NASCAR (Dale Jr.) and went to a couple of the races. He loved to cruise around in his Lil' Red Truck, cranking the Bee Gees on a Sunday afternoon.

During his illness, he witnessed the love and support of his family, friends and community; and they witnessed his strength, selflessness and wonderful sense of humor. He was a man of wisdom, knowledge and compassion, and a leader to many. He took a piece of all of us with him, and he will be missed by many. In my heart, I know we will all be together again when our work is done.

He leaves behind his wife, Judy Damren Hallowell; daughter Lisa Hallowell Strutin and husband, Millard; mother and stepfather Dorothy and Roland Knight; brother Dana Hallowell and wife Lila of Waterville; brother James Hallowell of Waterville; sister Debra Mullen and husband Peter of South Portland; sister-in-law Susan Damren of Belgrade; brother-in-law Rick Damren of Belgrade and partner Tammy; his mother-in-law, Mayna Damren, of Belgrade; stepsister Gail Manley of Sidney; stepbrother Al Knight of Rome; sister-in-law Donna Hallowell; his nephews and nieces, Brad and Beth Hallowell, Conrad Shaw, Jeremy Damren, Scott Damren and wife Kate, Desiree Damren, and Tyler Hallowell; and grandchildren Collin and Sarah Strutin. David is also survived by his special baby, Miley, his dog, who spent many hours by his side. He is preceded in death by his father, Erland Hallowell; and father-in-law Richard Damren, who loved David like his own son.

In honor of David's memory, I ask folks to pay it forward with a random act of kindness, smile up to the heavens with a wink and say, "This one's for you, David."

The family would like to thank the following for the excellent care that was given to David: Health Reach Hospice, Health Reach Nursing, Dr. Devon Evans, Dr. Ian Bristol, Dr. Amy Madden, Maine Medical Cancer Center, Harold Alfond Cancer Center, and all of the other doctors and nurses he met along the way.

Friends are invited to visit from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, at Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., in Oakland. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Oakland Sidney United Methodist Church, West School Street, in Oakland. Burial will occur following services at Pine Grove Cemetery in Belgrade. In lieu for flowers, memorial donations may be made to the organization of your choice.