David T. Lockwood

Bowerbank - David Taylor Lockwood, 83, passed away at home on February 6, 2026. He was born January 6, 1943 in Wellesley, Massachusetts, son of Norman E. and Grace T. Lockwood.

Dave was sharp, funny, fiercely independent, and deeply committed to the people and communities he cared about. He had strong opinions, a quick wit, and a steady sense of purpose-usually deployed in service of making things work better, whether that meant a boat, a meeting, or a town.

He was happiest on or near the water, especially if there was weather to puzzle out or a mechanical problem others had given up on. Even better were boat rides with friends and family-views, tubing, and always the essential boat snacks. From years sailing his 26-foot dory on Newfound Lake in New Hampshire, to enjoying the Boston Harbor Sailing Club, to patiently (and sometimes not so patiently!) teaching his grandchildren how to drive boats, the water was where Dave felt most at home.

He built that home deliberately in Bowerbank, Maine, on the shore of Sebec Lake with his partner Barbette Schafer. There, he perfected the art of noticing-tracking the light, the wind, the changing sounds of the water. He spent as many summer evenings as possible taking in sunset views of Borestone Mountain from the lake.

Ever the host, Dave could reliably be found in command of the kitchen, running it with confidence and high standards. Friends, family, and anyone who ever enjoyed concessions at the Dover-Foxcroft Kiwanis Auction or the Bowerbank Fire Department Yard Sale benefited from his belief that if you were going to do something, you should do it well-and feed people while you were at it.

Wherever he lived, Dave was deeply involved in community life. A servant leader by instinct, he was passionate and unwavering in his commitment to improving life for others. He brought that same dedication to his professional work at New England Medical Center as a member of the team that created the first pediatric trauma center in the U.S., and to his many civic roles over decades including Kiwanis Clubs across New England. Perhaps his most meaningful volunteer role was with the Bowerbank Fire Department, which extended far beyond a role and became a true community of friends. Throughout all of his hard work, he didn't seek credit; he valued doing things well and the relationships he made along the way.

Dave leaves behind a legacy of service, competence, and care all the while having a good time - proof that showing up, paying attention, and doing the work matters.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughters Amy Lockwood (husband Brad Owens) from New Hampshire and Sarah Hawks from North Carolina, granddaughters Sophie, Lexi and Avery, and sister Eleanor Lockwood. He was predeceased by his partner of 33 years, Barbette Schafer.

The family extends its deep appreciation to the staff at Mayo Regional Hospital and Gentiva Hospice for their knowledge, wisdom, compassion, and ability to partner together to provide him exceptional care.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Dave will be interred in the Town of Bowerbank Cemetery and arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.