ROCKLAND — Hiram A. Brown, 84, longtime proprietor of the former Wayfarer East Hotel and Captain's Table Restaurant in Rockland, died July 22, 2013, at his home after an extended illness.

Born at Vinalhaven Dec. 11, 1928, he was the son of Lewis A. and Thelma Whitcomb Brown. At a young age Hiram moved to Waldo, where he lived on the Whitcomb Family Farm and attended Waldo schools. He later moved to Rockland, where he attended Rockland High School.

From 1940 to 1960, he worked at various jobs locally. In 1960 he began employment with Vocaline Company, refurbishing sonobuoys for the U.S. Navy, at that company's Waldoboro, Pemaquid and Bristol facilities.

In 1972, with his wife, Shirley, and son, Hiram R., he purchased the Rockland Hotel and renamed it the Wayfarer East Hotel. In conjunction with the hotel, he also established the Captain's Table Dining Room and Crew's Quarters Lounge and he operated them al until selling them in 1998.

In October 1972, with his son and his step-father, Sigfred Eckstrom, Hiram was conferred to the Third Degree with Rockland Lodge of Masons, becoming a Master Mason. He was proud to receive his 40-year pin along with his son, Hiram R., in October 2012.

He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, York Rite Bodies, the Maine Consistory in Portland, Kora Temple in Lewiston, Mid Coast Shrine Club, Royal Order of Jesters, Aurora Lodge of Masons, Waldo County Shrine Club and Shriners International. He was a member of the Mid Coast Shrine Club Board of Directors and devoted many hours transporting children to the Shriner's Hospital in Springfield, Mass. For several years, Hiram provided a place for the Shrine Club's board of directors to meet and also provided open space for that group to use as a staging area for the annual Lobster Festival parade. Through his generosity and planning, he perpetuated that use to continue. He was also a member of Rockland Lodge of Elks No. 1008.

Hiram was pre-deceased by his wife, Shirley Brown; his companion, Evelyn Teel; and his step-daughters, Nancy Brackett and Darla Ilvonen. He is survived by one son, Hiram R. and his wife, Valerie Brown, of Rockport; his companion of 11 years, Ann Sawyer of South Thomaston; two step-daughters, Deborah Shepard and her husband, Barry, of Rockland, and Sheila Lawson of Rockland; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as special friends, Diane Simmons, Peter Thompson, Robert Newbert and Al McKay.

Hiram's family wishes to thank Ann Sawyer for her devoted care during Hiram's illness.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, July 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. The members and officers of Aurora Lodge of Masons will conduct a memorial service at 6:30 p.m. Private interment will be at a later date in Paul Cemetery in Waldo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Midcoast Shriners 100 Million Dollar Club, C/O Tom Stevenson, P.O. Box 363, Jefferson, ME 04348. To share a memory or condolence with Hiram's family, visit his online Book of Memories online at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins.