David Alan Dickey

DAVID A. DICKEY

CAMDEN…………………….David A. Dickey, 71, of Camden, checked out of this world the way he

lived in it, on his own terms, with a healthy dose of stubbornness, and leaving behind plenty

of opinions for the rest of us to sort out.

David was born on April 20, 1954, in the old Camden Community Hospital, the second

of four children born to Kenneth and Prudence (Weaver) Dickey. In his youth, he discovered a

love of skiing and remained especially proud of winning championships in high school. He

spent many years working at the family store, Haskell and Corthell, and took great pride in his

work and in his family's legacy, especially the Ski Barn.

Never one to sit still, in 1995, he transformed "North Camden" by building the Camden

Riverhouse Hotel. You could often find him in the parking lot gardens or on the footbridge

planting his pink petunias (because they stand out best on a foggy Maine day), baskets of

strawberries, or surprise tomatoes. He used the sunflower as the hotel's logo, and the

gardens were often filled with flowers bigger than dinner plates. Seeds, flowers, fruits, and

vegetables were always given freely.

His love and passionate commitment for his community was deep, fierce, and occasionally

unorthodox. He took great joy in acting as an unofficial town historian. Whether people agreed or not, they heard him. Repeatedly.

What many didn't see, were the quiet compassionate ways he helped people. David was always willing to lend a hand, make a call, or show up when something was needed.

David adored his grandchildren Ben, Isabelle, Henry, and Eleanor, and took great satisfaction

in watching them grow, experiment, and tinker with his many ongoing projects, so long as

they never touched the television remote. He was happiest sharing a meal with them,

especially if it involved Grammie Dickey's mac and cheese or anything made with real

lard, the old-fashioned way.

David wasn't perfect, but he was perfectly himself. And Camden is undeniably more

interesting because he lived here. His absence has left the town noticeably quieter and

significantly less opinionated. David loved his community and was committed to

preserving the quality of life, as we've known in the past.

In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his sisters, Jeanette Dickey Peasley, and

Lynette Dickey O'Hara. He leaves behind those he knew best, his three daughters, Jess Dickey, Kit Tolman and husband, Clay, and Elizabeth Poulton, and husband, Ian; four grandchildren,

Ben, Isabelle, Henry and Eleanor; brother William Dickey and his wife Liana; brother-in-law, Frank O'Hara, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.

David's daughters sincerely thank the friends, family, and devoted caregivers who offered their time, care, and encouragement, allowing David to remain at home where he was surrounded by love.

Memorial gifts may be made to United Midcoast Charities www.unitedmicoastcharities.org in lieu of flowers.

A celebration of life will be announced this spring before seasonal paid parking begins,

because some principles are worth carrying into eternity.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street,

Camden.