HOPE — Lerman F. Thompson, Jr., 77, died after years of declining health, Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Waldoboro.

Born in Rockland, April 23, 1946, he was the son of Lerman F. Thompson of Matinicus Island and Mildred Conary Thompson of Swans Island. Lerm attended grade school on Matinicus and graduated Rockland District High School with the class of 1964. He always returned to the island for summers.

After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served two years during the Vietnam War, aboard the USS Dahlgren 12, a guided missile destroyer.

Lerm was raised as a fisherman and was always known as “Babe” by islanders. His father had a lobster boat built in Blue Hill for him and respectfully named it, “BABE”.

Following his military service, Lerm returned to Rockland. He continued to fish most of his life. He fished Herring for Stinson Canning, with Clyde Teel, aboard the FV Western Sea and FV Luanne. He also fished shrimp and lobstered with his best friend Brad Young of Matinicus.

After retiring he worked several years for Jackson Landscaping. Lerm could always be found clamming, picking berries for canning, and picking loads of fiddleheads. Mackerel and Striper fishing and hunting were other activities he enjoyed.

Lerm was a Life Member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks, No. 1008, Rockland.

Other than his parents, Lerm was predeceased by his half-sister, Lunette Nelson Smith.

He is survived by his long-time partner, Tammy Pomeroy of Lincolnville; his former wife, Jane Roes Thompson of Warren; two daughters, Amy S. Thompson of Rockport, Melissa Thompson of Hope; two grandsons, Grady Brown, Joah Thompson; nephew Jerry Smith of Swans Island, niece Susan Smith of Connecticut; two close cousins, Floyd Oliver of Owls Head and Delores Martin Roberts of Bangor; as well as extended family members and friends.

A graveside service with military honors will be held Friday, June 9, 2023, at 3 p.m., at Achorn Cemetery, Old County Road, Rockland. Rev. Susan Stonestreet will officiate.

To share a memory or story with Lerm’s family, please visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com

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