THOMASTON — Herbert E. Sanborn, 95, beloved husband of Marion Burkett Sanborn, died peacefully Sept. 29, 2015, surrounded by his loving family at home.

Born in Belfast on Nov. 9. 1919, he was the oldest son of eight children born to Willard and Alice Wilson Sanborn. Growing up in the Midcoast area, Herb attended Rockland schools. As a young boy he worked on several local farms to help support his family.

Enlisting in the Navy during World War II, Herb was a first class welder, working on ships docked in San Diego, Calif. Following his discharge he continued working at local shipyards, and was able to weld in areas some of his larger colleagues could not fit.

On Sept. 22, 1941, Herb married his best friend and soulmate, Marion Sanborn. Together they raised five children and two foster daughters. They have been constant companions for over 74 years and have made their home on Beechwood Street in Thomaston for all of those years.

Although lucky enough to be employed during the Depression, Herbert often suffered through layoffs during the holiday season. During one such time, Herb was asked by the captain of a fishing vessel he had been welding on to join them on the fishing crew. With a family of five children, Herb and Marion decided this was a good opportunity and he joined the crew. Herb continued his career aboard fishing trawlers for many years, working his way up to engineer. Later in life he returned to the shipyard and worked locally repairing large ships.

Herb had a great love of the outdoors. Hunting, fishing and camping were favorite family pastimes, and he loved a good walk in the woods. He kept immaculate vegetable gardens at his home and took great pride in canning and sharing the fruits of his labor. His family said, although it wasn't something he did often, Herb was a fantastic cook.

He was a self-taught man who enjoyed reading and learning new things. He excelled at whatever he put his mind to and was known as a Jack-of-all-trades. His eclectic taste kept his family guessing, and they never knew if they would find him watching a hunting show on television or a ballet.

He had a special place in his heart for animals. During the 1950s and 1960s, Herb and his wife owned and operated a small kennel in their home, raising German shepherds. Not only were these dogs part of the kennel, they were part of the family.

Predeceased by two sons, Daniel Sanborn and Donald Sanborn; Herb is survived by his loving wife, Marion Sanborn of Thomaston; his sons, David Sanborn and his wife, Joan, of Thomaston, and Douglas Sanborn of Old Town; his daughter, Linda Reynolds of Thomaston; two foster daughters, Tena Schmidt and Essie Christensen of Kingsport, Tenn.; two daughters-in-law Karen Curtis of Thomaston and Verliegh Sanborn of Waldoboro; his son, Donald's, companion, Ellen Spring of Thomaston; a brother, William Sanborn; and a sister, Doris Bredeau, both of Waldoboro; eight grandchildren and their spouses, Dwayne and Candy Sanborn of Auburn, Dwight and Karen Sanborn of Standish, Derald and Stephanie Sanborn of Vinalhaven, Darryl and Julie Sanborn of Thomaston, Theresa and Roy Walston of Warren, Melissa Reynolds of Thomaston, Douglas Sanborn Jr. of Portland and Derek Sanborn of Portland; nine great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and a large loving extended family.

Family and friends are invited to visit Friday, Oct. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Rockland on Limerock Street. The Rev. David Forsythe will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either First Baptist Church of Rockland, 215 Limerock Street, Rockland, ME 04841 or Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice, 170 Pleasant Street, Rockland, ME 04841.