WARREN — David Farrington Bryant, 87, beloved husband of Faustina J. Bryant, passed away peacefully March 28, 2013, after a courageous battle with Lyme disease and cancer, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born June 2, 1925, in Newton Lower Falls, Mass., he was the son of Gerald Carver and Ruth Farrington Bryant of Camden, where he grew up and attended School. David interrupted his education where he proudly and courageously served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Dale W. Peterson in the Atlantic Theater during World War II. He was honorably discharged at the end of the war after making seven transatlantic convoys.

David returned to Camden, where he went back to high school, graduating with the class of 1947. Following high school, he enrolled in the Boston Trade School, earning his degree as an engineering draftsman. His first employment was at the Watertown Arsenal, where he worked on the first atomic cannon. During this time he met his soul mate, Faustina J. Gushee. The two were married Aug. 16, 1953, at the Camden Congregational Church. Together they moved back to Boston, eventually returning to Maine in 1957.

Upon their return, David purchased a farm, where he raised broilers for Penobscot Bay Poultry for many years. Although he originally knew nothing about raising poultry, he excelled and operated the farm until 1969, at which time the farm was lost to a fire.

After the fire, David began his full time career as a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service. Working out of the Thomaston post office, he walked 15 miles a day making many friends along his route. After retiring at age 61, he received many comments from former patrons, all saying how much they missed seeing him on a daily basis.

David was never one to be idle, and kept busy with more activities than most people dream about. His love and passion for the outdoors included ice fishing, skating, swimming, hunting trips "Up North" with his son and grandsons, and even waterskiing until the age of 85. He took great pleasure in working on his property cutting wood, walking and seeing the beauty in nature around him.

David was an active member of both the Union and Rockport Amity Masonic Lodges, where he served as past master in 1995, and earned his 65-year pin. He was a member of the Camden American Legion, Kora Shrine Temple, Scotish Rite, York Rite and served more than 35 years as a distinguished service member of The Midcoast Ducks Unlimited Chapter. David also served on many local conservation committees.

He loved to travel with his wife Tina, enjoying many trips together, including England, Ireland, Scotland, Holland, the Grand Canyon, and even paragliding in Mexico. With his daughter, Paula, and son-in-law, he enjoyed a fabulous trip to Las Vegas and a "First Class Trip" to Paris with his son, David II, taking in every sight possible.

David's number one priority was his family. They were everything to him. He took great joy in making birthdays extra special for his grandchildren, including making pirate treasure maps and burying treasure for them to find. He also had many very special friends that meant the world to him.

David's passing leaves a hole that will be impossible to fill and he will be sadly missed by all.

Predeceased by his sister, Glee Garland Parker, David is survived by his wife of 59 years, Faustina J. Bryant of Warren; his children, Joyce Slader of Camden, Paula Turner and her husband, Ralph Jr., of Bangor, David Bryant II and his wife, Holly, of Warren, and Stacy Bryant and his wife, DeAnne, of Hollis Center; his brother, Stanwood Bryant of Camden; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews; as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.

David's family was very thankful for the exceptional care he received at Pen Bay Medical Center in the Special Care Unit and the Hospice Wing, especially from Terry and Kayla.

Family and friends are invited to visit Thursday, April 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, April 5, at 2 p.m. at Camden Congregational Church, 55 Elm St. in Camden. The Rev. Robin Honaker will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations to Union Lodge of Masons No. 31 Scholarship Fund, 149 Sennebec Road, Union, ME 04862.

To share a memory or condolence with David's family, visit his Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.