ROCKLAND — Ronald F. Packard, 87, died at his home surrounded by his family, Feb. 26, 2013, after an extended illness.

Born in Rockland Aug. 1, 1925, he was the son of Neil B. and Gladys French Packard. He was educated in Rockland schools. While attending Rockland High School, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, and served at Boston, Portsmouth, Providence, Boon Island Light, and throughout World War II in the Eastern, European and African theaters.

Returning from military duty, Ron completed his high school education, graduating with the class of 1948. He later graduated from Hemphill Diesel School in New Jersey.

On Sept. 2, 1950, he married Cynthia A. Barbour in Rockland. The couple has resided in Rockland since that time.

For a time, Ron served as a police officer with the city of Rockland. For more than 33 years, he worked with Central Maine Power Company, retiring as a field planner in 1987.

Throughout his life, Ron was an avid outdoorsman, who loved hunting, fishing, smelting, and in retirement, lobstering with his son-in-law, Bruce Leiter, and Swede Carlson. Ron greatly enjoyed going to the waterfront, traveling with his wife, being on the water and collecting golf balls. Since 1984, he volunteered with the Maine Weather Service, reporting rainfall measurements from a station in his back yard.

He was an avid New England Sports fan and since its inception, served as a Rockland Lobster Boat Race Committee member.

A longtime member of the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1, Ron also served as a member of that post's House Committee. He appreciated the camaraderie he experienced with fellow veterans on his daily visits to the Legion.

He was a past member of the Rockland Kiwanis Club, a member of the Knox County & Game Association, and a longtime volunteer with Owls Head Transportation Museum.

Other than his parents, Ron was predeceased by two sisters, Ruth A. Barrows in 1977 and Margaret "Peggy" Ilvonen in 1995. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Cynthia, of Rockland; two daughters, Susan Packard-Benner and her husband, Theodore Jr., of Camden and Rhonda Packard Benner and her husband, Gary, of Friendship; one sister, Jane P. Johnston of Rockland; one brother-in-law, Richard Ilvonen of Owls Head; four grandchildren, Lindsay D. Jones and her husband, Charles W. II, of Rockland, Adam P. Lachance of Rockport, Clint E. Dean of Camden and Lucas R. Benner of Friendship; two great-grandchildren, Avery Packard Lachance and Noah Jay Lachance; five step-grandchildren, Stephanie Benner Mills of California, Laurie Benner John of North Carolina, and Michael Benner, Robie Benner and Aaron Benner, all of Maine; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ron's family expresses gratitude to all the healthcare professionals, friends, family and loved ones who have assisted in his care during the recent months.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit Friday, March 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a celebration of Ron's life will be held Saturday, March 2, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1, P.O. Box 582, Rockland, ME 04841.

To share a memory or story with Ron's family, visit his on line Book of Memories, at www.bchfh.com.