DENMARK — Donald A. Mills, 56, of Denmark, passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by family, on Aug. 10, 2011, following a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer.

Donald was born on Feb. 6, 1955, in Brownfield, to Carl and Norma Mills. He attended Brownfield schools in his youth and graduated with the Class of 1973 from Fryeburg Academy. In April of 1974, Donald was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Margaret (McLeod) Mills. This past April, they celebrated their 37th year of marriage.

Early in his career, Donald was employed with J.V. Components in their Research and Development department. He then went on to become a skilled carpenter and worked as a self-employed contractor for more than 20 years. Donald was well known in the area for being an adept roofer and built a number of homes, including the house that his son, Ben, and his family reside in today. For the last decade, Donald worked as a postal carrier in the Sebago/Fryeburg region, most recently having his own postal contract for the East Fryeburg/Chatham area.

Donald was an avid NASCAR fan and could often be found enthusiastically cheering/yelling at his favorite drivers on television. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed four-wheeling and ice fishing. Donald’s home became a true hobby over the years; in the early ’90s, Donald, alongside his wife and two sons, worked diligently over a three-year period to completely renovate their historic family farmhouse, preserving it for the seventh generation. Most recently, Donald completed a remodel of the property’s barn.

Each morning, Donald could always be found at Jimbob’s Store in Denmark, sharing a cup of coffee with his Denmark crew, deliberating the town’s politics and local happenings. Every Tuesday, it was boys’ night out in Brownfield, where Donald and his close friends would gather to share a few drinks and a home-cooked meal that they would all prepare. Donald’s friends were very important to him and brought him great joy, comfort, and support, throughout his illness.

Above all else, Donald was a family man. His love, commitment and dedication to his family was unparalleled, particularly the special bond he shared with his grandchildren. In 2009, Donald became a “Grumpy” with the birth of his first grandchild, Adalyn. The birth of his second grandchild, Jacob, followed, in April 2010.

Donald is survived by his wife of 37 years, Margaret; sons, Bennett Mills of Fryeburg and Nicholas Mills of Charlotte, N.C.; two grandchildren; father, Carl Mills; brother, Philip Mills; and sister, Lorraine Crossley, all of Brownfield; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Donald was preceded in death by his mother, Norma, and brother, Stanley.

A graveside service was held at the Gilman Cemetery in Denmark, on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011. Arrangements were by Watson, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish.