VINALHAVEN — Clarence “Cap” Walter Conway, 87, died on January 29, 2023 at his home surrounded by his devoted family of caregivers. Born in Vinalhaven on November 18, 1935, he was the son of Max and Eleanor (Hennegar) Conway and was a graduate of Vinalhaven High School. From 1954 to 1958, Clarence proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. 

Clarence married Muriel Oakes on January 29, 1957, and was the founder of C. W. Conway & Son, Inc., now operated by his son, Lamont Conway.    

Active in community service, Clarence served many years with the Vinalhaven Fire Department, where he was a former chief. Prior to the advancements in technology where dispatch was transferred to the Knox County Regional Communications, Clarence and Muriel handled this in their home answering the “red” phone. He was also active in the Knox County Firefighter’s Association and the Maine State Federated Firefighters Association. In 2004, he was the honored recipient of the Firefighter of The Year award, and in 2019, received the lifetime achievement award for the State of Maine.

Clarence was also a member of the American Legion Post #18 in Vinalhaven and a member of the Union Church.

During his retirement years, Clarence and Muriel enjoyed traveling and going to dances with their best friends, Herb and Marge Conway. Clarence and Muriel also attended fire department and fire association events throughout New England.

Clarence was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Muriel Conway in 2019; and brothers, Stanley (Drucilla), Van, Harry, and Herb (Marjorie) Conway. 

Surviving are his children, Dale Conway and his wife Sally, Jean Conway and her husband John Beckman, Lamont Conway and his wife Christine; his former son-in-law, Alan Barker, Sr.; grandchildren, Travis Conway and wife Holly, Tawnya Faulkner and her husband James, Heath Conway and his wife Tricia, Kelsey Barker, Alan Barker II and wife Audrey, Kayla Hunsinger and her husband Dylan, Brooke Conway and husband Richard Hildings; 12 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.   

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 11 a.m., at the Union Church of Vinalhaven. A reception will be held immediately following the service. Memorial gifts in his memory may be made to American Legion Post #18, P.O. Box 191, Vinalhaven, ME 04863, or to the Vinalhaven Firefighter’s Association, P.O. Box 815, Vinalhaven, ME 04863.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.