Dale G. Locke, 65

WEST BALDWIN — Dale G. Locke, 65, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, succumbing to cancer with strength, humility and his sense of humor.

Dale was born on May 22, 1949, the son of Fred H. Locke Sr. and Ada Rankin Locke. He attended Baldwin Consolidated School, Fryeburg Academy, class of 1967, and Southern Maine Vocational and Technical Institute, where he studied automotive technology and met his future wife, Sandra Delong.

As newlyweds, Dale and Sandra moved to Bridgewater, Mass., where he became a member of Local 4 International Union of Operating Engineers. At that time, he began an apprenticeship to become a master mechanic and operating engineer. Years later, Dale completed Tower Crane school in Westfield, Mass. While working in Massachusetts, Dale and Sandra began their family, welcoming daughter, Kelly.

Dale moved his family back to Maine to live in the home he had grown up in. His son, Scott was the next addition to his young family. Dale enjoyed summertime at Fred and Ada’s camp, where he water skied while enjoying friends and family. In the winter, he was an active member of the Baldwin Belt Burners snowmobile club. He was a member of the West Baldwin Grange and was a volunteer firefighter. Dale continued to work all over New England providing for his family. He was active with his children’s activities, attending ball games and numerous 4-H horse shows. Dale was an avid hunter and enjoyed NASCAR racing, smelting in the spring and riding his Gold Wing motorcycle.

Often, he shared his memories of his travels to Nova Scotia on his motorcycle, snowmobiling in West Yellowstone and partaking of the sights in Hawaii. He retired in 2004, spending his time working around his home creating projects requiring him to use his tractor. This included helping to maintain the road to the camp on Barker Pond.

Dale is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sandra; daughter, Kelly of Lovell; son, Scott of West Baldwin; and his eldest brother, Fred Locke Sr. of Carver, Mass.

Dale was predeceased by his parents; and brother, Reuben Locke.

At Dale’s request, there will be no services. A celebration of life will be held, date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Rt. 1, Ste 1, Scarborough, ME 04074-9925 or West Baldwin United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 26 Douglas Hill Rd., West Baldwin, ME 04091.