ROCKLAND - Gary Adams Wheeler, 81, died Sept. 1, 2015.

Born July 21, 1934, he was the son of Helen Adams and Daniel Wheeler. Gary leaves behind his wife, Ann Jennings; his first wife, Res Eggerman; his son, Shaw Wheeler and his partner and her daughter, Jennifer Falloon and Laura Falloon; his step-children and their spouses, Mary and Mark Morrisette, John and Cathy Jennings, Joe and Sissy Jennings, and Sarah and Aaron Doty; his brother, Daniel Wheeler; and his step-grandchildren, Tyler, Josie, Michelle, Lindsie, Joey, Sammy, Julia and Jessica. He was predeceased by a step-daughter, Anna.

Gary's work ranged from school psychologist to master wood boat carpenter, artist to author of two books: Q & A Boat Repair (on loving and fixing wooden boats) and Legacy Kit (a manual for passing the story of one's life to future generations). He also invented and patented Mast Mate, a sailboat mast climbing system sold around the world. Gary worked with and advised a diverse range of people, from college professors to yogis to yacht captains. Gary and his wife, Ann, together renovated their 1850s home with unique touches reminiscent of the wooden boats he built and loved.

Gary had a unique presence — a capacity to listen deeply and respond practically and compassionately to people, friends and strangers alike. He was a fixture at Rock City Café for many years, offering his good ear, understanding and console to anyone who wanted to talk. Conversations with Gary were often deep, satisfying encounters, as he had a natural love and understanding of so many aspects of life. He expressed his interest in other possible life forms by hosting a radio show High Strangeness for WRFR, Rockland's local community station, and created a website with links to audio tapes of all his one-hour shows.

Gary recently said the most important part of life to him was "The ability to create, to build and to help people."

A celebration of Gary's life will take place Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Gary and Ann's home, 21 Ocean St. in Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, a special fund has been set up at Camden National Bank to defray Gary's expenses and support causes he believed in. Check donations can be made payable to Wheeler Benefit Fund, c/o Ann Jennings, #91161167, Camden National Bank, PO Box 880, Rockland, ME 04841.

Gary's family is being assisted by Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.