TOPSHAM - Donald Charles Crandlemire, son of Lilly K. and Donald R. Crandlemire, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, at Midcoast Hospital, Brunswick. Donald was a Maine native, who was born July 5, 1933, in Portland, grew up in Machias, and graduated from Machias Memorial High School.

He was a member of Phi Mu Delta fraternity and received his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Maine, Orono, in 1955. As a registered professional engineer, Donald worked for Republic Steel, Kaiser Aluminum, Maine Department of Transportation and owned his own engineering firm. The last 23 years of his career were spent as the director of physical plant at the University of Maine at Machias. In 1996, the UMM yearbook was dedicated to him. During his entire life, Don was an active member of the community. He was an Eagle Scout, Mason, Shriner and Rotarian, including serving as president of the Machias chapter. He served on the Machias Planning Board, coached girls' softball at the high school, and volunteered at Midcoast Hospital, Dionne Center Nursing Home and Mount Ararat Middle School. Don was most proud of his leadership in preventing the township 30 dump from becoming a reality in Washington County and received an Audubon award for his efforts. He was a history buff who was especially knowledgeable about the Civil War. He enjoyed gardening and collecting stamps and coins and loved to travel with his wife, Marilyn. Most recently he lived at the Highlands Retirement community continuing to participate in activities of interest such as pool, poker, cribbage and Scrabble. Don appreciated all of the outdoor activities Maine has to offer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and canoeing. He loved sports and was supportive of his children's participation, as well as all Boston and New England teams.

A devoted husband, father and brother, he is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marilyn; children, Janis and husband, Ronald Sacco, Patricia and husband, Daniel Whitney, Donna and husband, Duane David, and Donald and wife, Jennifer Frizzell; grandchildren, Benjamin and Laurel Sacco, Erik and Alison Murphy, Alexandra Hardin, and Ethan and Evan Crandlemire; as well as his sister, Jane and husband, Van Christo.

A reception honoring his life will be held 3 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Highlands. A memorial service is being planned at Centre Street Congregational Church, Machias. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the church in his name.