OWLS HEAD — Bernard E. Raynes, 81, set sail July 12, 2013, one last time for home, to be with his Heavenly Father, surrounded by his loving family at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Born on Vinalhaven July 4, 1932, he was the son of Alton and Irene LeBlanc Raynes. Growing up in Owls Head, he was educated locally, and was a 1951 graduate of Rockland High School.

Bernard served in the Merchant Marines until being drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served four years in the European Theater after World War II. While working for the Navy testing sonar buoys in South Bristol, Bernard was involved in a successful rescue mission of a pilot and crew of a downed P3 Orion from Brunsiwck Naval Air Station.

Shortly after his discharge from the Army, he enrolled in diesel engineering school in Chicago, Ill.

On Nov. 11, 1956, Bernard married Eleanor Daniels in Rockland. Together they raised four daughters and have made their home in Owls Head for most of their married life.

A communicant of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, he served as a eucharistic minister for many years, and was involved in the Knights of Columbus. He served as grand knight and faithful navigator, fourth degree. He was also on the board of directors of the Stella Maris Corporation while the building was under construction.

Bernard loved the water, and being on the sea. He was an active member of the Rockland Red Jacket Sea Scouts and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was also involved with the Camden Handicapped Association.

An avid wood worker and boat builder, he loved building small model boats, and building and repairing wooden boats. In 1976 he built his own 58-foot fishing dragger, the F/V Irene Alton, which he operated until his declining health forced him ashore. He also took great pleasure in diving and working on schooners. Bernard and his work have been featured in the New York Times, Country Living and Maine Boats, Homes and Harbors magazines and the Fishermen's Voice.

Bernard had a zest for life, and especially loved his family and spending time with them. He thoroughly enjoyed being able to host annual summer boat trips with 50 or more people aboard his boat.

In more recent years Bernard enjoyed doing puzzles with his daughter, Denise.

For more than 19 years Bernard has endured dialysis treatments at the Damariscotta Unit. His family said that although his journey was plagued with rough seas, ultimately the Lord called him home to calm waters. They said he enjoyed the care and support he received from the wonderful nurses and doctors at the unit.

His passing leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew him.

Bernard is survived by his wife of 57 years , Eleanor Raynes of Owls Head; his daughters, Deanna LaCombe and her husband, Bryan, of Lincolnville, Dawn Heuser and her husband, Stephen, of Memphis, Tenn., Delisa Morong and her husband, Chris, of Camden, and Denise Raynes of Owls Head; six grandchildren, Airika LaCombe Rucevice and her husband, Eric, Brenton LaCombe, Olivia Heuser, Lilly Heuser, Joshua Morong and Dylan Morong; his sisters, Sylvia Raynes Couture and her husband, Alden, of Candia, N.H., and Patrica Raynes Elliott of Gray; a special aunt, Betty Hoban of Marlboro, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews. He was proud to have been blessed with his first great-grandchild, Leiken Rucevice, born April 1.

Bernard's family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to their dear friends, Donald Williams and Steve Dow, for their selfless acts of kindness. Their constant assistance driving Bernard to dialysis treatments was truly a godsend for the family.

Family and friends are invited to visit Tuesday, July 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday, July 17, at 10 a.m. at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 150 Broadway in Rockland. Family friend, the Rev. Edward McCarthy, will officiate. A reception will follow at 104 Limerock, the funeral home's reception facility. Interment will take place at Mt. View Cemetery in Camden.

In liue of flowers, donations may be made to Coastal Navigators Special Olympic Team, c/o Coastal Opportunities, P.O. Box 637, Camden, ME 04843, or Knights of Columbus, c/o St. Brendan the Navigator Parish, 7 Union Street, Camden, ME 04843.

To share a memory or condolence with Bernard's family, please visit his Book of Memories online at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.