HOPE — Capt. Leonard Howard Dermott, 70, passed away peacefully May 20, 2014, among family. Leonard was born in Lakeland, Fla., but fell in love with the state of Maine at an early age and intertwined his life with all that it has to offer.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in fine arts from Principia College, and briefly maintaining a private studio in Bar Harbor, Leonard served in Vietnam as an artillery officer and later a combat artist, in the India Battery of the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned a Bronze Star medal and Navy Commendations medal for his actions and was later assigned to work with NASA as their first artist from the Armed Forces.

Various pieces of his work have been displayed in both the Marine Corp Museum, as well as the Smithsonian Institute. After his military career, he moved back to Bar Harbor, where he opened his own gallery and pursued his love of art and nature. Leonard later honed his talents into the field of graphic artistry, and balanced his work life with the joy of being "Papas of it all" to his three kids.

He and his little red truck, sporting the Cam Lo license plate, became legend among his kids, their friends and the community; representing his continuous respect and devotion to the memory of his fellow comrades and veterans alike. His quiet life on Cobbossee Lake was soon turned on its head, when he was introduced to Katy Hall, who instantly captured his heart. After a brief (and according to their kids, secret) courtship, the two decided that their love could not be denied and an August wedding followed, in 2004. The families quickly meshed, and while Leonard adapted to his new role of step-dad to Katy's two daughters, the house filled with laughter and memories. He spent his every day life cherishing his wife and family, as well as pursuing his studies on both Vietnam and veteran affairs. His love, laughter, smile, companionship and "Papa jokes" (aka puns) will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Katy; their kids, Mary, Laurie and John; their spouses, Joe, Len and Kat; his step-daughters, Cricket and Nibby; their spouses, Ben and Scott; his brothers, Allan and Gary; their spouses, Lynn and Diane; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, vets and "Grand Pets."

A memorial service will be held Monday, June 23 at noon at the Augusta Elks Lodge, 397 Civic Center Drive in Augusta. The graveside service with full military ceremony will take place at Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road in Augusta on June 23 at 2 p.m.

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 3151, Augusta, ME 04330 (www.dav.org).

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service.