WARREN – Darryl S. “Budg” Leavitt, 68, died Aug. 22, 2015, at the Sussman House in Rockport, following a hard fought, two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Rockland on May 24, 1947, he was the son of Kenneth E. and Natalie A. Spear Leavitt. While growing up in South Warren, he attended Warren schools until his freshman year, when he entered Georges Valley High School in Thomaston, and graduated in 1965.

That same year, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving primarily in Germany during his enlistment.

While home on leave, on Dec. 25, 1966, he married the love-of-his-life, Doreen M. Abbott, at the Federated Church in Thomaston. As Budg returned to military duty, his new bride resided with his mother in South Warren.

Returning to civilian life, he operated the Spear Garage in South Warren until the mid-1970s, a business begun by Budg's grandfather, Alvah Spear. Beginning at an early age, Budg enjoyed working with his grandfather, who taught him much about the trade.

In 1971, Budg built his home on property across the street from the home where he grew up, where he has lived since that time.

He later worked at various jobs, primarily as a mechanic. He worked several years with O'Hara Corporation on their boats and for more than 12 years with Dragon Products in Thomaston.

He loved working in the woods, operating his own sawmill, riding his motorcycle, building his home and building furniture. A Jack-of-all-trades, Budg could build or repair anything.

A devoted grandfather, he loved being involved in the lives of his grandchildren.

A longtime active member of Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1 in Rockland, Budg was serving his third year as commander of the Post at the time of his death. He was director of the Legion Riders and served as second vice-president of the Sixth District American Legion. He was also a member of Rockland Lodge of Elks No. 1008.

The family extends a special thank-you to Betsy of Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice, who helped them greatly during this time.

In addition to his mother, Natalie; and his beloved wife, Doreen, both of South Warren, Budg is survived by one son, Darryl E. “Chip” Leavitt and his wife, Jennifer, of Lincolnville; two sisters-in-law, Muriel Abbott Ingalls of Kingston, N.H, and Patricia Abbott Perry and her husband, Eric, of Thomaston; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; as well as many friends.

A private graveside service will be held Saturday, Sept. 26 at Village Cemetery in Thomaston. A public service will be held that same day at 2 p.m. at Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No.1, on Memorial Drive, off Limerock Street, in Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1, Legion Riders, P.O. Box 582, Rockland, ME 04841, or Kno-Wal-Lin Homecare and Hospice, 170 Pleasant Street, Rockland, ME 04841.