Gary Alan Brackett, 50, passed away on Aug. 10 surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was a local boy, born at Miles Memorial Hospital on Sept. 6, 1961. He grew up around New Harbor Hill, attending school in Bristol and winning a basketball championship before moving on to Lincoln Academy where he graduated in 1979. After high school he joined the Navy, serving 22 years before his retirement in 2002.
He loved working with his hands and driving big machines, working beside his dad well drilling for 24 years, having his own lawn mowing business and driving countless kids to school in the bus for over 15 years. For the last three years, he worked for Great Salt Bay Water and Sanitation District as a plant operator.
He was an accomplished one-man carpenter, handyman, construction worker and sometimes demolition crew. He built his own house, garage and later addition, dug his own pond, cleared paths through the woods, and built many decks, steps and other projects. He could fix anything and was always willing to help someone out. One of his favorite places in the world was up on his blaze orange Kubota excavator, digging out rocks and moving dirt. He was always outdoors whether it was taking a ride on his motorcycle, shooting some hoops with whatever kids were around, being a pyro and setting fire to things, taking nature walks, or puttering around the house deciding what trees to take out next.
His other great passion was hunting with his son Kurt, whether it was muzzle loading, rifle or bow season, Gary was out there, always looking for the elusive 10-point buck “Walter.” It was the only time he might miss one of his six children’s sporting events. He was a devoted father, happily sitting, and sometimes coaching, through countless games of soccer, basketball, hockey, softball and maybe just a little not so happily through a cheering competition or two. He was a man of few words, but his actions always spoke volumes and everyone in his life knew they were cared about.
In the hunting off-season he was known to do crazy things like build and racecars with his best friend Kim, even winning some trophies. Known for his sarcastic wit, he loved hanging at home, joking around with whoever walked in. He made his house a home to all the neighborhood kids and whoever else needed it, being a quiet role model. He was an irreplaceable part of this community and will never be forgotten.
He is survived by his parents, Jack and Isabel Brackett; wife, Lynne Brackett; children, Nichole L. Brackett, Kurt Brackett, Meridith Hughes, Rachel Hughes, Nichole M. Brackett, and Lindsay Brackett; sisters, Karen Bryant and husband Randy, and Judy Verney and husband Kevin; brother, Greg Brackett and wife Shelly; along with many nieces and nephews.
Time of visitation 5-7 p.m., Fri., Aug. 17 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. Funeral 11 a.m., Sat., Aug. 18 at the Bristol Consolidated School, 2153 Bristol Rd., Pemaquid, In honor of Gary, the family asks that you come dressed casually, or even in camos.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bristol Fire and Rescue, 2 Quarry Hill Rd., Round Pond, ME 04564.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
