OWLS HEAD — Norman E. Gamage, Sr., 81, died peacefully, Friday, February 2, 2024 at the Sussman House in Rockport.

Born in Rockland, September 6, 1942, he was the son of Ernest, Sr. and Eunice Thompson Gamage. Educated locally, he attended Rockland High School.

On December 9, 1960, Norman married Virginia ‘Ginny’ Willis. Together they made their first home in Rockland before settling in Owls Head where they resided together until Virginia’s passing in 2016.

Norm spent most of his career on the water, where he was most at peace. For many years he worked on the O’Hara fleet, enduring many rough seas, and amassing many stories. Later he went on to work as the Dock Master at the National Sea Products shipyard, eventually retiring from there. As a young man he was instrumental in helping build the Owls Head Lobster Wharf as well as working in the trap mill with his father. Following his retirement from the shipyard, Norm dreamed of getting back on the water and owning his own boat. He was able to do this with three boats, first the Miss Coley, next the Nickole Lynn and later the Charisma, which is still in the harbor at Swans Island.

Norm was an extremely hard worker and only stopped working a short while ago when his declining health would not allow him to go any longer.

An old car enthusiast, he loved going to the Owls Head Transportation Museum. He also loved riding his motorcycle, taking several small trips with his wife, Ginny. They also enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas and Foxwoods, hitting the casinos whenever possible. Norman was a life member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks, earning his 35 year pin just a few weeks ago.

Predeceased by his wife, Virginia; a grandson, Ryan Gamage; and a sister, Elaine Steeves; Norman is survived by his three sons, Norman Gamage, Jr., and his companion Arnez Woodbury of Rockport, John Gamage and his wife Tammy of Owls Head, William Gamage and his wife Andrea of Waldoboro; six grandchildren, Nickole, Pennie, Christopher, Ryan, Joseph and Shaydlyn; 14 great-grandchildren, Lily, James, Ivy, Lucas, Gabriella, Brookelynn, Brayson, Brantley, Angel, Rayni, Brynleigh, Jett, Marcus and Addison; his siblings Sharon Preston of Rockland, Ruth Ames and her husband Brian of Verona Island, Eunice Gamage-Alfano of Union, and Ernest Gamage, Jr. of Union; his life-long best friends, David and Leavitt Martin; as well as many nieces, nephews and a large extended family.

Family and friends are invited to an informal celebration of his life Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Owls Head Community Building. Please bring a story or memory to share with the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the AIO Food and Energy Assistance Program, P.O. Box 113, Rockland, Maine 04841 or the Sail Power and Steam Museum, 75 Mechanic Street, Rockland, Maine 04841.

A graveside service will be held Friday, June 21, 2024, at 10 a.m., at the Ocean View Cemetery, Route 73, South Thomaston.

To share a memory or condolence with the Gamage family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.