ROCKLAND — Donald A. “Don” Webber, 79, died peacefully on July 9, 2016, surrounded by his loving family, following a brief battle with cancer, at the Sussman House in Rockport.

Born in Rockland on Oct. 6, 1936, he was the only child born to Arthur and Ina Mayo Webber. Educated locally, he was a 1955 graduate of Rockland High School.

Following graduation Don married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Kaler. The two had grown up together as neighbors and had been friends for a long time. In the early part of their marriage, Don and Barbara moved to Hartford, Conn., where he was employed for several years with Pratt and Whitney Aircraft. He worked for a few years on the production line before returning to his beloved home town of Rockland. At this point the couple took over the family business, operating Kaler's Corner Family Grocery Store. Together their smiling faces greeted customers for more than 14 years before they sold the store in 1972. Next, Don continued his expertise in retail and began in his career as manager of the Nissen Thrift Store in Rockland. For more than 28 years he helped customers there before retiring in 2000.

Don kept busy in retirement, putting to use his skills as a jack-of-all-trades in his home and in the community. He kept an immaculate home and yard and took great pride in maintaining it himself, performing all the yard work, mowing and snow removal up until recently. He especially enjoyed using his riding lawnmower, using it even on Christmas Day when possible and making sure to take a photo. Every day he kept up with the news and advances in technology online, and took a course to learn how to build his own television.

Don also made it a point to stay active in his community. He was a 50-year member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks, where he served as trustee, ran the weekly football pool and was Chairman of the Youth Activities Committee. In addition, he was a member of the Knox County Fish and Game Association and the Rockland Lions Club; where he helped build the Sea Goddess float for the Lobster Festival each year. Don also served as King Lion for several years.

In his free time, Don tended the bird feeders on his back deck and watched the birds enjoy them, bowled with his local league, went snowmobiling and read a great many books. He also added to his collection of hundreds of hats, which he displayed with care in his two garages.

Above all else, Don's proudest accomplishment was his family. He loved spending time with them, whether it was camping with them at Mic Mac in the camper, vacationing in Florida or gathering everyone together on Christmas Eve at his home.

He dearly loved all his grandchildren, the eldest of whom called him “Grampy Duck,” and in most recent years enjoyed a special relationship with his youngest granddaughter, Gracie.

He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Barbara of Rockland; his son, Glenn Webber and his wife, Michelle, of Cushing; his daughter, Kathy Knutson and her husband, John Knutson Jr., of Rockport; his grandchildren, Cassandra Duguay and her husband, Kurt, Drew Webber and his new bride, Amber Hanson, John Knutson III and his wife, Jackie, Kristin Richardson and her husband, Colin, and Gracie Webber; his two great-grandchildren, Tristan Duguay and Colin Richardson; a close circle of friends, including his special neighbors, Diane and Warren Perry, with whom he shared many happy memories; and a large and loving extended family.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Don's life on Saturday, July 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rockland Lodge of Elks at 210 Rankin St. A memorial service will begin at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rockland Elks Youth Activities Fund, P.O. Box 983, Rockland, ME 04841; or to the Sussman House, c/o Pen Bay Healthcare, 22 White Street, Rockland, ME 04841.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.