Gary Burnham, 74, of Damariscotta, died peacefully May 6 with his family by his side at Maine Medical Center in Portland.
Gary was born Oct. 31, 1936 in Damariscotta, and graduated from Lincoln Academy. In January 1954, Gary joined the Air Force and was stationed at several bases in the southern United States and Europe. In March 1957, he married Polly Dinsmore, and in December of 1959 they had their first son, Dale. After leaving the Air Force, Gary returned to Maine, and in June of 1962 he had his second son, Dean.
Throughout his life Gary enjoyed all sports. He played both basketball and baseball in high school. He took up bowling with Dale and Dean in the early 70s and played softball in the early 80s. Gary was also an avid fan of NASCAR, the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Mets, who provided him with constant frustration.
In 1998, Gary was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease. He spent that year going to Bath, three times a week for dialysis. He was placed on a waiting list for a kidney donor, and on June 18th, 1999, he was given the good news that a compatible kidney had been found. The next day, on Father’s Day, Gary was given the kidney and a new life.
In 2002, Gary retired from Colby & Gale after 20 years of loyal service. In his retirement, Gary tried to take up fishing. He bought all the gear he needed, but soon thereafter, stopped because he felt badly for the worms with which he was baiting his hook.
Gary was a kind, selfless, generous man. He never complained about any of the health issues he was dealing with in the last years of his life. He maintained his usual sense of humor right up until the end.
Gary is survived by his sons, Dale of Windham and Dean of Waterboro; grandson, Brandon; brother, Fred of Damariscotta; and cousins, Malcolm and Landon Oliver.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.
Visiting hours 5-7 p.m., Thurs., May 12 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
