ROCKLAND – Neal Vanderbilt Kenney III, 57, of Rockland, passed away Jan. 14, 2017, after a courageous and painful battle with liver disease at the Sussman House in Rockport.

“Beava,” as his family and friends called him, was born Oct. 5, 1959, to Ercell Mae Widdecombe Kenney and Neal Vanderbilt Kenney Jr. at Knox Hospital in Rockland.

Neal was educated in the Rockland school system and then began his life's lessons as a commercial fisherman and clam digger until he was no longer able.

He was a true outdoorsman, a commercial fisherman and clam digger, who spent his entire life in the beauty of nature. Beava spent his spare time hunting, fishing and boating. He even enjoyed picking fiddleheads with the blackflies in the spring.

His parents are both deceased. Beav is survived by his son, Neal V. Kenney IV; and his grandson, Neal V. Kenney V, both of Rockland; two brothers, Robert Kenney of Hope and David Kenney of Thomaston; and three sisters, Lucy Kenney of Rockland, Susan Kelly of Rockport and Dianna Trueman of St. George; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

A spring graveside service will be held at Achorn Cemetery and will be announced.

Remembrance donations, if desired, may be made to either Area Interfaith Outreach, 70 Thomaston Street, Rockland, ME 04841 or Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P. O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.

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