Dana Rand Sr.

NAPLES — Dana E. Rand Sr., 78, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, at his home with his family by his side.

He was born in Raymond, the son of Warren and Dorothy (Files) Rand. Following the death of his mother at a young age, he was raised by his grandparents, Jennie Brown and his hero, Horace Files.

After attending Casco High School, he entered the United States Army, where he proudly served in the 82nd Airborne Division from 1957–1963.

Dana proudly worked for Hannaford Brothers Trucking Co., retiring after 33 years. His days on the road were filled with music, stories and making friends wherever he traveled. Upon retiring, he decided to return to work but continue working closer to home for SAD 61 school district for eight years. He was also a member of the Casco Historical Society and enjoyed reminiscing about his years growing up in the Lake Region area.

Family was Dana’s passion. As a single father, his children always came first in his life. He spent every weekend and his days off with them including camping each summer on Crescent Lake in Raymond, and building wonderful memories that will be treasured by them forever.

He was also well-known for being outspoken and determined. He never backed down from telling anyone his opinion or being direct with someone about what he thought they may be doing wrong. In fact, just three weeks ago, he drove to the end of his driveway to flag down a dump truck to let them know that Horace Files Rd. is posted, “No Thru Trucks.” He was very well-respected in the community so the driver immediately apologized and didn’t take the shortcut again. Dana was never late and was known for always arriving at least 15 minutes early for any appointment, meeting or gathering. He enjoyed morning coffee with his best friend, Freddie Adams, the outdoors, deer and moose hunting with his sons, grandsons, son-in-law and friends. He enjoyed riding his John Deere tractor or just simply sitting in the woods or in his truck by himself for hours and listening to blue grass and old country music. He loved NASCAR racing and watching friends and family race at Oxford Plains Speedway.

He was very well-known for wearing his favorite attire, whether it be just sitting at home, going to eat at a restaurant or a going to a doctor appointment — his denim overalls, a railroad hat, his 4-year-old untied sneakers and his beloved moose suspenders.

Dana was predeceased by his parents and grandparents; as well as his siblings, Richard Rand, Dorothy Lombard Mitchell, Jennie Brown; and a son, Darryl Rand.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Suzanne of Naples; brother, Robert Rand of New Bern, N.C.; sons, Stephen (Maggie) Rand of Standish, Dana (Ann) Rand Jr. of Buxton; daughters, Cheryl (Daniel) Engelhardt of Scarborough, Christine Parsons of Standish; stepsons, Daniel (Michelle) Pierce of Naples, Glenn (Heather) Pierce of Okinawa, Japan; as well as 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

His family would like to thank Dana’s best friend, Freddie Adams for his kindness and companionship to Dana through the years, and Hospice of Southern Maine nurses, Jennifer and Susan for their wonderful care.

Visiting hours were held on Wednesday, Aug. 17, at Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Rd. Casco, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. There was a gathering of family and friends at the Edes Falls Community Hall on Edes Falls Road in Naples following the visiting hours.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/. Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhome.net