CAMDEN — David A. Dickey, 71, of Camden, checked out of this world the way he lived in it, on his own terms, with a healthy dose of stubbornness, and leaving behind plenty of opinions for the rest of us to sort out.

David was born on April 20, 1954, in the old Camden Community Hospital, the second of four children born to Kenneth and Prudence (Weaver) Dickey. In his youth, he discovered a love of skiing and remained especially proud of winning championships in high school. He spent many years working at the family store, Haskell and Corthell, and took great pride in his work and in his family’s legacy, especially the Ski Barn.

Never one to sit still, in 1995, he transformed “North Camden” by building the Camden Riverhouse Hotel. You could often find him in the parking lot gardens or on the footbridge planting his pink petunias (because they stand out best on a foggy Maine day), baskets of strawberries, or surprise tomatoes. He used the sunflower as the hotel’s logo, and the gardens were often filled with flowers bigger than dinner plates. Seeds, flowers, fruits, and vegetables were always given freely.

His love and passionate commitment for his community was deep, fierce, and occasionally unorthodox. He took great joy in acting as an unofficial town historian. Whether people agreed or not, they heard him. Repeatedly. What many didn’t see, were the quiet compassionate ways he helped people. David was always willing to lend a hand, make a call, or show up when something was needed.

David adored his grandchildren Ben, Isabelle, Henry, and Eleanor, and took great satisfaction in watching them grow, experiment, and tinker with his many ongoing projects, so long as they never touched the television remote. He was happiest sharing a meal with them, especially if it involved Grammie Dickey’s mac and cheese or anything made with real lard, the old-fashioned way.

David wasn’t perfect, but he was perfectly himself. And Camden is undeniably more interesting because he lived here. His absence has left the town noticeably quieter and significantly less opinionated. David loved his community and was committed to preserving the quality of life, as we’ve known in the past.

In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his sisters, Jeanette Dickey Peasley, and Lynette Dickey O’Hara.

He leaves behind those he knew best, his three daughters, Jess Dickey, Kit Tolman and husband Clay, and Elizabeth Poulton and her husband Ian; four grandchildren, Ben, Isabelle, Henry and Eleanor; brother, William Dickey and his wife Liana; brother-in-law, Frank O’Hara, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.

David’s daughters sincerely thank the friends, family, and devoted caregivers who offered their time, care, and encouragement, allowing him to remain at home where he was surrounded by love.

Memorial gifts may be made to United Midcoast Charities www.unitedmicoastcharities.org in lieu of flowers.

A celebration of life will be announced this spring before seasonal paid parking begins, because some principles are worth carrying into eternity.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.