Albert Bernard "Al" Camire

Albert Bernard 'Al' Camire, 82
LYMAN -- Albert Bernard 'Al' Camire, 82, of Goodwins Mills Road, died early Thursday morning, July 21, 2011, at his residence, surrounded by his family.
He was born in Limerick on Feb. 12, 1929, the son of Armand H. and Carrie H. (Eastman) Camire. He grew up in West Kennebunk, and graduated from Kennebunk High School. He lived for many years in the Bangor area before moving to Lyman. He and his wife Katherine also lived in the Phoenix, Ariz.
In 1946, Al enlisted in the U.S. Army. An accomplished equestrian, he was accepted into the U.S. Army's Second Division last mounted cavalry unit. During his enlistment, he served as a driver for a 3-Star Army General. He became a trusted part of the General's family, even teaching his daughter how to ride horseback. Al was also trusted to escort the General's family to various affairs and events, allowing him to appreciate the local culture and arts. After completing his enlistment, he was discharged, only to be drafted back to active duty at the onset of the Korean War. He was severely injured during the War, losing hearing in both ears.
Following his discharge, he worked for many years in road work and construction as an active member of Local 4 of the International Union of Operating Engineers.
Al then accepted a position with the Maine state AFL-CIO, which led to a 35 year career with the National AFL-CIO in the Northeast Region and retiring in 1992. During his tenure, his proudest accomplishment was the organization and unionization of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He was also instrumental in lobbying to prohibit the requirement of polygraph tests for State jobs. He was a long time member of
Albert Bernard
'Al' Camire
the Democrat Party, and was active in numerous state roundtable groups and federal campaigns.
Al was an avid outdoorsman. Hunting the Maine woods and spending time at his cabin in Sebec were his passions. He enjoyed gardening, yard work, and was a consummate reader of history, especially the WWII period. Al was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, and the Elks Lodge in Bangor.
Survivors include his loving wife Katherine of Lyman; five daughters, Judy Nute and her husband Gary of Hampstead, N.H., Pam Farley of Rockport, Texas, Brenda Camire of Norfolk, Va., Barbara Camire and her husband Brian of Kenmore, Wash., Carrie-Marie Weeks and her husband Dustin of Gilbert, Ariz., his son, Albert A. Camire of Gilbert, Ariz.; his brother, Roger R. Camire of West Kennebunk, his sister, Mildred L. Hill of Springvale; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
Calling hours will be on Tuesday, July 26, 2011, from 3 to 7 p.m., at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at 11 a.m., at Holy Spirit Parish/St. Martha's Church, Kennebunk. Burial with military honors will follow in Ocean View Cemetery, Wells. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel. www.bibberfuneral.com.
Should friends desire,
memorial donations in his memory may be made to:
Wounded Warrior Project
4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300
Jacksonville, Florida 32256