FRIENDSHIP — In the early hours of Nov. 15, 2016, Christopher Robert Delano, 52, slipped away to be with his Lord to a new world of rest and peace, leaving life's struggles and pains behind.

Chris was born to Cedric Delano and Marjorie (Johnson) Gray on Feb. 5, 1964, in Rockland. He would spend his entire life in Friendship, close to the sea that he would grow to love and to spend countless hours working in support of his life and those that would come to depend on him.

As a child, Chris had aspirations of becoming a fisherman. He was adventurous and always wanted to make friends of all ages, he was very funny, fearless, clever and kind, not to forget charismatic. Don Knowles, the old milk man back in the day, used to get flagged down by Chris as a kid, for chocolate milk. Eventually it became a routine stop for all the kids. Very clever.

Chris started clamming around 8 years old, tagging along behind his father and his brother, Jimmy. He became a master digger and enjoyed competing with his buddies, most often being the victor. He loved to stay out on the islands around Friendship, and would spend a week or more at a time with his friends. Cookouts of lobster and clams were routine those days.

As a teenager he started lobstering, hand-hauling in a skiff and outboard. Through bullish hard work and tenacity he worked his way to a larger vessel, the Bethany Hope and finally, The Good News. He developed a very successful lobstering business. His work ethic was unmatched and often overdone, as chronic health issues began to plague him. He took pride in being a part of the “Friendship Fishing Fleet.” Fellow fishermen would joke with him and say he was "The Best Dressed Fisherman." He always took pride in his appearance, and was always dressed accordingly. A highlight of his fishing career was catching a Mako Shark that made the news. He had to leave fishing due to health problems for around 10 years, but returned for a season of hand-hauling with is son in 2009, and worked his way back to a large vessel once again in recent years, the Jennifer May.

Chris enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, snowmobiling, ice fishing, boating, going to fairs and traveling to New Hampshire and Florida, and a good cribbage game with family or friends. He was always adventurous, witty, energetic and outgoing, fun to have around.

Chris attended schools in Friendship and Waldoboro. At Waldoboro's A.D. Gray Middle School he met the love of his life, Beth Hope Light, and they spent their lives deeply in love, and were married in 1998. It broke his heart when Beth Hope passed away Nov 28, 2012. They were blessed with a son, Christopher Lloyd Delano in 1991, of Friendship, ME and daughter Jennifer May Delano in 1994, of Jefferson, ME. As parents, the pride they shared for these two young people and their accomplishments and successes were insurmountable.

He was a special friend to many. Always ready to lend a hand, selfless, and was an especially supportive brother to his siblings (of which he had many) and large family. He passed away doing what he loved, being a wonderful son, brother, uncle, father and lobster fisherman, where his passion lay.

He was predeceased by the love his life, Bethany Hope Delano; and his best friend, Vincent "Vinnie" Simmons.

Christopher is survived by his mother, Marjorie Gray of Friendship; his father, Cedric Delano of Friendship; his son, Christopher Delano of Friendship; his daughter, Jennifer Delano of Jefferson; his paternal grandmother, Grace Delano of Friendship; his brothers, James Delano and his wife, Deborah, of Waldoboro, Matthew Delano and his wife, Brandy, of Waldoboro, Zachary Gray of Friendship and Jesse Delano of Friendship; his sisters, Deborah Heald of Thomaston, Jennifer Delano of Friendship and Wendy Collamore of Waldoboro; his stepsisters, Sherrie Reed of Friendship, Theresa Costello of Gorham, Merilyn Gray of Rockland, Kelly Hall of Owls Head and Jennifer Kane of Hancock; his sister-in-law, June Gagnon of Waldoboro; his brother-in-law, Chad Light of Waldoboro; his mother- and father-in-law, Donna and Lloyd Light of Waldoboro; his faithful companions, Snoopy, Millie and especially Linus; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by a celebration of life from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Waldoboro, 71 Grace Ave. in Waldoboro. Richard Lash will officiate. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to assist his young family, checks made payable to Christopher Delano, at 15 Salt Pond Road, Friendship, ME 04547.

Hall's of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements.