David E. Pride

David E. Pride, age 82, passed away peacefully on January 22 at Portsmouth Hospital with his three sons at his side.

David was born on May 13, 1943, in Portland, Maine, the son of Thomas H. Pride and Evelyn A. (Best) Pride. He grew up alongside his siblings Beverly, Thomas, Fred, and Carol.

David graduated from Cheverus High School in Portland, Maine. On September 23, 1967, he married the love of his life, Helen R. (Ouellette) Pride of Berwick, Maine. Together they built a life rooted in faith, love, and family, raising three sons Fred, Rick, and Steve in Scarborough, Maine.

David loved his family and friends deeply. In his spare time, he could often be found fishing or woodworking, two passions that brought him great joy and peace. His woodworking skills were impressive and enduring; he crafted the kitchen table around which countless family meals were shared, along with quilt racks, desks, cutting boards, stained glass pieces, and even a wooden version of a Bluetooth speaker; a testament to both his creativity and ingenuity.

An avid outdoorsman, David developed a love for fly fishing in Maine, a hobby that eventually took him as far as the South Island of New Zealand. Fishing was his sanctuary; a place to escape the noise, watch sunsets, listen to the loons, and reflect on what mattered most in life.

Above all, David stood in constant amazement of his wife Helen; her kindness, love, and grace and often wondered how it came to be that she chose him to share her life. Before proposing, David secretly attended Catholic classes so that he could properly ask Helen's father, Gene Ouellette, for her hand in marriage. Later in life, David devoted himself to caring for Helen during her illness, often saying he would do it one hundred times over just to spend more time with her. The song "Through the Years" best captures David's enduring love for Helen and their family.

David is survived by Carol Dickinson (Sister) and Sons, Fred, Rick, and Steve; his daughters-in-law Heather, Melissa, and Stacey; and his eight grandchildren Sean, Olivia, Aidan, Victoria, Jonathan, Michael, Katia, and Lindsey all of whom will be forever grateful to David for setting the standard of what it means to be a devoted husband, loving Father, Grandfather and true Friend. David showed all who knew him what a life well lived looks like guided by God and Family.