EASTPORT — Calvin B. Beal III, 74, died peacefully Jan. 9, 2015, surrounded by family, following a brief battle with cancer, at Mercy Hospital in Portland.

Born in Rockland on Oct. 19, 1940, he was the son Mr. and Mrs. Calvin B. Beal II. Calvin spent much of his childhood on Beal's Island with his grandmother, but attended Rockland schools.

Following high school, Calvin enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed for a brief time on the West Coast. Upon being discharged he returned to the East Coast, spending time in Connecticut before settling back in Maine, where he has spent most of his life.

Most recently, Calvin has enjoyed working on cars and engines. He has enjoyed the solitude of living in Eastport with his girlfriend, Ruthie. However the two loved a good Sunday drive to Rockland, where his first stop was always Wasses Hotdogs. Although a man of few words, he had a warm heart and had a soft spot for his pets, especially the boxer dogs he owned over the years. He is remembered as someone who loved to “tinker,” whether going for walks, visiting friends or just working around his house.

Calvin is survived by his girlfriend, Ruth Townsend, and her family of Eastport; his children, Melissa Schriener of Turner, Ore., Peter Beal and his wife, Avi Good, of Rockport, Scott Beal of Rockland and David Beal and his girlfriend, Andrea Day, of Damariscotta; nine grandchildren, including Alaric Beal, and Cody and Madison Beal; seven great-grandchildren, including Brooklyn Beal; as well as the mother of his children, Diane Knight of Olamon, and her family.

Family and friends are invited to visit Friday, Jan. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a celebration of his life will be held Saturday, Jan. 17 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to P.A.W.S. Inc., 368 South St., Calais, ME 04619.