VINALHAVEN —David “Bam Bam” Linwood Hildings, age 58, of Vinalhaven, Maine, died at his home on January 25, 2026.

David is survived by his parents, Richard “Dickie” Hildings of Vinalhaven (now Waldoboro) and Leatrice Poland Archer of Rockland; his beloved son, Nathan Hildings of Vinalhaven; his sister Lisa Hildings and brother-in-law Dan Burch of Spruce Head; his very special niece, Crystal Burch (whom he considered to be the daughter he never had) and her boyfriend Tom Lindahl; his nephew Richard Hildings, wife Brooke, and their children; his sister Dawn Sutter of Damariscotta and her children Ashley, Doug, and Sam Davis; and his nephew Payton Warren.

He is also survived by several very special friends: Michelle Cormier; Steve, Carol, Jess, and Zachary Sanborn; and Anthony Roberts. He loved hanging out with Zach in both Portland and on Vinalhaven, going out to eat, debating what restaurant had the best breakfasts, and checking out boats in the harbors.

He was predeceased by his grandparents Ernest and Laura Poland, grandparents Sam and Mina Hildings, close friend Jennie Hamilton, and uncle Tommy Hildings.

David’s life was rich in friendships and there were truly too many to list them all.

David graduated from Vinalhaven High School in 1986 where he was a formidable basketball player. He had many fond memories of games played during those years. He began fishing at a young age, and captained his own boats his entire adult life including his favorite, the Miss December, as well as the Nathan Joy, the Last Call, and others. He enjoyed his memories of fishing out of Gloucester with Bobby Warren. He loved scalloping and fishing for pogies in addition to lobstering.

He had many good friends up and down the East Coast, with countless friends on Vinalhaven, in Cundy’s Harbor, Portland, and Florida. He made new friends wherever he went and was known for his friendly, kind, and generous spirit. He adored his cat, Pearl, who lived to be 20.

A memorial service will be held in the Summer and will be announced at a later date.