Donald Hugh Hardwick died peacefully at his home on Sept. 10, 2014 with his devoted daughter Sandra by his side.

Donald was born Dec. 26, 1922 in Boothbay Harbor, to Roy Forthsye and Agnes Jean (Whitman) Hardwick. He grew up and attended school in Boothbay until he graduated in 1941.

In 1942 he answered his country’s calling and joined the Coast Guard where he bravely served during World War II, in both our Asian and European campaigns. After being discharged from the Coast Guard, he returned to Boothbay Harbor to focus on raising a family and a career. Donald had an impeccable work ethic and worked at various jobs before settling into a career at Bath Iron Works, where he retired as a security guard in 1987.

After retiring from BIW, Donald worked part time at the Boothbay Railway Museum in the facility’s antique auto display. He enjoyed a long-running joke telling people that the museum needed an antique to work with the antiques and that is why he was there. He had a passion for antique automobiles, and he always boasted that he was the first in his high school class to have an automobile in 1940.

Aside from his work at the railway museum, he enjoyed spending time with family and woodworking on various projects.

During his lifetime Donald was an active member of the community; becoming a third degree Master Mason for more than 50 years at Boothbay Harbor Lodge and a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star in the Crescent Chapter.

Donald was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Barter Hardwick, and his daughter, Joan Arlene Pinkham of Boothbay.

Donald is survived by his sons, Wayne Donald Hardwick of Walligrass, Maine, and Dean Frederick Hardwick of Los Angeles, California. He is also survived by his daughter, Sandra Ann Behringer of Elliston, Virginia. He leaves behind seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. He will be well remembered and very missed.

You are invited to share your condolences, stories and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall’s of Boothbay, 975 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay.