Galen Fossett Holmes Sr., 83, died peacefully on February 12, 2014, surrounded by his loving family at Coves Edge.

He was born on January 28, 1931 in Boothbay Harbor to James and Maxine Holmes, the oldest of nine children.

Galen attended local schools in Boothbay Harbor and lived with his grandparents in Bowdoinham. Galen married Patricia Pennington in June of 1964. They were married 43 years.

Galen went to work for Frank Sample's Shipyard building minesweepers during the war and then worked for his brother, Robert, doing carpentry. He worked at Bath Iron Works for 17 years working in maintenance and carpentry. He also worked for Poly-Choke in Boothbay Harbor where they built fiberglass caskets where he built his own fiberglass rowboat.

He loved traveling to the White Mountains and Pennsylvania to visit family. He taught himself to play the accordion, loved music and liked to sing. Galen was good at working with his hands, spending time in his shop and making model airplanes. He also built his own 18-foot lobster boat and lived on a 42-foot houseboat for several years. His talents even extended to working on hot rods. His advice to his family was to do the best that you can and don’t be taken in by what other people say.

Galen was predeceased by his loving wife, Patricia Pennington Holmes, in 2008; brother, Robert Holmes; and sister, Barbara Heath.

He is survived by his daughter, Crystal Hanley of Randolph; brothers, James Holmes of Boothbay Harbor, Ronald Holmes, Merrill Holmes and Clyde Holmes, all of Pennsylvania; sisters, Marguerite Fink of Pennsylvania and Natalie Grover of Hallowell; grandchildren, Mitchell Hanley of Pittston and Faith Deegan of Randolph; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Galen’s life will be held at Simmons, Harrington and Hall on Friday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Galen’s name to the Coves Edge Activities Fund, c/o LCH Development Office, 35 Miles Street , Damariscotta, ME 04543.

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

Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home, Boothbay is caring for the family.