A graveside service for Harold R. Drinkwater, 89, who died on November 19, 2020, will be held Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 10 a.m., at Mountain View Cemetery in Camden.  

Harold is the husband of Dorothy Bryant Drinkwater.

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

CAMDEN — Harold R. Drinkwater, 89, died on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at the Sussman House in Rockport after several months of declining health. 

Born in Searsmont on February 11, 1931, he was the son of Robie and Bertha (Butler) Drinkwater, and moved to Camden at the age of three.  Harold started school at the Knowlton Street grade school and graduated from Camden High School in 1949. 

In May 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army attaining the rank of Sergeant while serving 14 months in Korea. 

Following his military service, Harold went to work at the Knox Woolen Mill where he worked for 38 years operating machinery, foreman, and supervisor. After the mill, he also worked several years for L.O. Gross & Son in Camden.

On April 30, 1955, Harold married Dorothy Bryant.  In August of 1955, Harold accepted an invitation from then Fire Chief Alan Payson to join the Camden Fire Department.  At that time, the turn out gear for firemen consisted of a helmet, boots and a rubber rain coat. 

He spent 30 years as an assistant chief, and 19 years as fire police under chiefs Dick Moody, Bruce Hensler, Steve Gibbons, Bob Oxton, and Chief Chris Farley.  

During his 58th year, the Camden Fire Department surprised Harold in naming their newest fire truck after him. 

Harold was also a member of the Camden American Legion Post #30 and Amity Masonic Lodge.  Harold loved baseball and had been a talented pitcher in high school and also in the men’s adult softball league in Camden.    He also enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years and was a good caregiver for his wife, Dorothy. 

Harold was predeceased by two brothers, Lawrence Drinkwater, Walter Drinkwater, and niece, Julie Drinkwater Landwehr.  Surviving is his wife, Dorothy Drinkwater; sister, Maxine Simmons; sister-in-law, Glenna Drinkwater, three nephews, Charles L. Simmons III, Kurt Drinkwater, and Todd Drinkwater. 

A graveside service will be announced in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Atlantic Engine Company #2, 31 Washington Street, Camden, ME 04843, or to the Camden Area Food Pantry, 128 Mt. Battie Street, Camden, ME 04843.

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