Floyd “Mac” McDunnah, 72, of Bristol and former Boothbay Harbor Police Chief, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones June 8 at Maine Medical Center in Portland. Floyd was born July 5, 1937 in Castine, a son of Gerald and Iris Spurling McDunnah. He attended school in Bucksport and graduated from Bucksport High School class of 1955.
After graduation he joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Memphis, Tenn. Later he served in the Pacific on the USS Philippine Sea, and made two tours to the Far East. He joined the Maine State Police in 1960 serving as a trooper in Aroostook and Lincoln counties until 1969. Upon his departure from the state police he began work as a Chief Deputy for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department. In 1975 he began work with the Boothbay Harbor Police Department as Sergeant later becoming Chief. He retired in October 1999 after serving Boothbay Harbor for 24 years.
He married Sharon Knipe McDunnah on April 14, 1979. The couple made their home in Bristol where they raised their family.
He was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. He especially looked forward to annual trips to the northern part of the state with his buddies. He had an immense love of animals and cherished his family pets. He was a devoted sports enthusiast playing, coaching, and watching the Red Sox and football. The family describes him as a father figure to many. He was always willing to lend an ear, no matter what the time of day, or the circumstance. People respected him and his opinion, often asking for his advice, which he was more than happy to give. He found himself the target of many jokes whether it be around town or at police functions. He always took each one with a smile and a chuckle. He had a steady moral compass and was able to decipher right from wrong at a moment’s notice. It was this gift that made him a great police officer. He was larger than life, a true family man and a wonderful husband.
He was predeceased by parents and brothers, Bruce McDunnah and Emerson Carey.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sharon Knipe McDunnah of Bristol; son, Darren McDunnah of Damariscotta; daughters, Vicki McDunnah and partner Alan Leverton of Jefferson, Tori Plummer and husband Scott of Bristol and Stacey Cole and fiancé James Poland of Bristol; grandchildren, Cortney Bailey and fiancé Josh Hannan of Damariscotta, Tyler Plummer and Courtney Pitcher of Damariscotta, Erin Plummer and Charles Luke of Damariscotta, Nathan Ballou of Bristol and Gregory Ballou and wife Ardelle of Bristol; great-grandchildren, Peyton Hannan of Damariscotta, and Trevor Ballou of Bristol; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial service celebrating Floyd’s life 1 p.m., Sat., June 19 at the Charles E. Sherman American Legion Post in Boothbay. Burial in the New Harbor Cemetery with Military Honors will be private.
Contributions in Floyd’s memory may be made to the Bristol First Responders, c/o Jeri Pendleton, 904 Southside Rd., New Harbor, ME 04554.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Boothbay.
