Donald E. Gurney

WATERVILLE -- Donald Edward Gurney, 61, of Waterville, passed away at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Unit, with his family and friends by his side on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008. He fought a long and courageous battle with severe lung disease.

Don was born May 23, 1946, in Waterville. He was the son of Donald Joseph and Jeannette (Bolduc) Gurney. He graduated from Waterville High School in 1965. He married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Catherine Jason, on July 2, 1966.

Don worked for the family business, Donald J. Gurney, Inc., from the time he was a young boy. He took over the business when his father passed away in 1983. Don and his wife worked side by side to build the construction company into the business it is today. In 1992, he built the mobile home park, Punky Meadows, on West River Road. With Don's love of nicknames for everyone, he named the park after his first grandchild whom he nicknamed Punky.

Over the years, Don supported many, many organizations through his generous donations of construction services. In 1994, Don was awarded the Community Award by the Waterville Board of Education. He was a lifelong member of Notre Dame Parish and was on the Board of Directors at the former Notre Dame Credit Union in 1986 and 1987.

There was nothing more important to Don than taking care of his family. His wife, children, and grandchildren were everything to him. He loved to be with them, tease them with his infamous and unending nicknames, watch them in their various endeavors, and brag about their academic accomplishments. He was so proud of all of them.

Don will be remembered by all as a wonderful man who took care of everyone. Everyone else always came first. He had an amazing spirit and the ability to tease anyone until they gave him a smile.

During the winters, one would find Don and Cathy at their second home in Punta Gorda, Fla. He enjoyed many winters there as family and friends went down to see the Florida sights with him. During the summer, they could be found at their camp in Smithfield. Don grew up spending summers on North Pond and he made sure that his children and grandchildren had that same wonderful opportunity. He loved to take family and friends around the lake in his boat. In his younger years, Don enjoyed his boat that was docked at Brown's Wharf in Boothbay Harbor. Don took his family on many excursions on the ocean and up the river on "The Abigail."

Don was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Jeannette Gurney; his "other" mother, Rita Jason; and one brother-in-law, Brad Jason.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cathy; a daughter and her husband, Donna and David Forkey; a son, Donald J. Gurney; a son and his wife, Douglas and Darcy Gurney; six grandchildren, Danielle Dechaine, Cassandra Dechaine, Jordan Gurney, Jayden Gurney, Mikayla Gurney and his namesake, Donald E. Gurney II; one sister and her husband, Nancy and Larry Bishop; one brother-in-law and his companion, John Jason and Sue; a sister-in-law and her husband, Nancy and Donald Michaud; a sister-in-law, Peggy Jason; four god children, Anne Harris, Mary Madore, Carolyn Richens, and Johna Jason; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Don will also be remembered by some very special "adopted" family: Fr. John Skehan, Ryan Burgess, Jeff Fortin, Dirk Kershner, Bruce and Celeste Dechaine, Linda Morrissette and Doreen Higgins, as well as numerous business associates.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kristen Holm and the wonderful respiratory and critical care staff, especially his night nurse, Patrick, at MaineGeneral, Thayer unit, for all the love, care and support that they have given to Don and our family over the last three weeks.

A very special thank you to Dr. Edward Ringel for caring for Don endlessly and tirelessly for the last 22 years. Your love and support meant everything to him. To him, there was no one better.

At the family's request, there will be no visiting hours. The funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 21, at Notre Dame Catholic Church. Burial will be in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Our Lady of the Angels Parish Building Fund, 25 Saw Mill Hill, Berwick, ME 03901.

Arrangements are by Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville.