VINALHAVEN — Phillip Darrow Dyer, aka "Filo", 91, died on Friday, March 23, 2018 at the Maine Veteran's Home in Augusta where he had resided for several months. Born on January 15, 1927, Phil was one of eight children born to Leslie B. and Hazel (Rogers) Dyer. Phil attended Vinalhaven schools and at the age of 17, left to join the U.S. Navy. He served during World War II and was stationed at Pensacola Naval Air Station and married Sadie Gustavson on September 26, 1950.

Following his discharge from the U.S. Navy, Phil returned to Vinalhaven and went lobster fishing with his beloved Grampa, Frank Rogers.

Phil's life-long dream was to build his own boat having visited boat shops around the harbor watching boat builders at work. He persuaded boat builder, Bob Johnson, to let him work on a boat under construction for Phil's older brother, Joe, to learn the trade.

After finishing and launching his brother's boat, Phil was able to rent Bob's shop, building and launching his first boat, the Sadie G at age 23.

Early in their marriage, Phil and Sadie purchased a home on Indian Creek, where Phil built his own boat shop. Their neighbor and good friend, "Goat" was a master boat builder who willingly shared his knowledge with Phil. Phil loved to tell the story about being told by Goat, "you don't need to ask me anymore questions.”

A master builder, he specialized in wood construction and design, eventually building 11 lobster boats, over 100 smaller boats, and three beautiful peapods, using a peapod owned by his father-in-law as a model. In addition, he built several summer homes, did numerous construction projects on the island, and was a caretaker for 50 years.

At the age of 37, Phil earned his GED. He enjoyed playing his accordion. Music playing on the stereo or from his accordion could often be heard coming from his shop. Many came to his shop to see his boats under construction, to conduct interviews, take photos, listen to his stories, or to seek help and advice which he gave freely.

A member of the Pleasant River Chapel Community of Christ, Phil was also a member of the Moses Webster Masonic Lodge where he served as Master for two years; the American Legion; and the school board in the 1970's serving as chairman for two years.

Phil was predeceased by sisters Carolyn Bullerwell and Ada Williams, brothers, Leslie Dyer, Jr., George Burton Dyer, Joseph Dyer and Richard Dyer. Surviving is his wife, of 67 years, Sadie Dyer; their son, Eric Dyer of Lewiston; grandson, Corey Wass of Seward, Alaska; brother Edward Dyer and his wife, Eileen of Fairfield, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 19, 2018 at the Union Church in Vinalhaven officiated by Elders Robert Candage and Burke Lynch. A luncheon will be held following the service at the church. Interment will be held in the Cummings Cemetery. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Islands Community Medical Center or to Vinalhaven Eldercare. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.