OWLS HEAD — Clifford O. Colson Sr., 89, died March 14, 2014, surrounded by his family at his home, after a period of declining health.

Born in Rockland Dec. 16, 1924, he was a son of LaForest and Sarah Perry Colson. He was educated in Rockland schools.

At the time of his death, Clifford had been blessed with 67 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Barbara L. Merrifield Colson.

In earlier years, he worked as a lumper, unloading fish from boats at Forty Fathoms Seafood, formerly in Rockland. During that same period he also managed a garbage route and with his brother, Edward, recycled old buildings. In the mid 1960s, he began employment in the maintenance department at Bancroft School in Owls Head, and at the time of his retirement had risen to supervisor.

For many years, Clifford served on the Rockland Fire Department and at one time was one of three generations of Colsons serving at the same time with that department.

Besides his wife, Barbara, Clifford is survived by two sons, Clifford "Kip" Colson Jr. and his wife, Nancy, and Bruce E. Colson and his wife, Sylvia; a daughter, Karen E. Everett and her husband, Peter, all of Owls Head; three brothers and their wives, Hervey "Skye" and Lorraine Colson of Bowdoin, Albert and Joan Colson of Rockland, and Charles and Samantha Colson; 10 grandchildren, Clifford Colson III, Michelle Webber, Christopher Colson, Michael Colson, Tracy Achorn, Danielle McNichol, Joshua Everett, Jennifer Colson, Carl Morse and John Morse; 11 great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit Tuesday, March 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 19, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Wayne Sawyer will officiate. Spring interment will be in the West Rockport Cemetery.

While flowers are gratefully accepted, memorial donations may be made to Miles & St. Andrews Home Health & Hospice, 40 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta, ME 04543.