Palmer Hinds Jr., 91, of Rockland, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died peacefully of natural causes, surrounded by his family on Feb. 28, 2017.

He is survived by his incredible wife of 68 years, Mary Jane; his loving brother, Tom of Gardiner, Maine and North Carolina; four very grateful sons, Rick and his significant other Doni Wylie of Winthrop, Maine; Chuck and his lovely wife Mary Jane of Augusta, Maine; Jeff and his significant other Cindy Levesque of Winthrop; and Tim of Boothbay Harbor, Maine; two grandchildren, Scott of Augusta, Maine and Kimberly and her husband Kevin Perry with their two children, Khloe and Kamryn of Manchester, N.H.

Palmer was a graduate of Gardiner High School and Kents Hill School where he was active in sports, especially football and baseball. Mr. Hinds worked for the state of Maine and Maine State Raceways. He was active in Maine politics, counting many legislators and a few governors his friends. He was active with the youth of Winthrop for many years. In the 1970s, he helped found the Winthrop Teen Club and The Purple Onion Coffee Shop.

Palmer was a World War II and Korean War veteran and served in the Pacific. His father, Palmer “Pop” Hinds Sr. and his three brothers, Robert, Peter and Thomas, were named “Most Marine Family in Maine” by the press.

Palmer and Mary Jane traveled extensively up and down the East Coast. They befriended many, especially in Florida and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In Maine, the couple split time between Winthrop and Boothbay Harbor, residing in both for many happy years.

He will be sorely missed by many. “They just don't make 'em like that anymore” was a phrase widely heard by those that knew him.

“When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.” -Cherokee Proverb. This Cherokee proverb perfectly describes Palmer's life. Godspeed Dad!

A graveside service will be held this spring.

Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop, where condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com