Gerald G. “Gary” Dawbin

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. – Gerald G. “Gary” Dawbin, 81, passed away in Florida on Dec. 5, 2022, with his family by his side. Born in Gardiner, Maine, he grew up in Augusta where he started his family before moving to Winthrop. A lifelong learner, he found many ways to spend time with his family and his ever-growing circle of friends. He enjoyed giving back to his community by coaching local youth sports and gymnastics, joining numerous civic groups, and participating in local politics. He taught whatever he learned and inspired those around him. He was a genuine person, and a true friend to those who knew him, with deep appreciation for the natural world and the human spirit.

Gary attended Cony High School and graduated from Searsport High School in 1959 and went to serve in the Air National Guard. He went on to college at Colby College in Maine, Wentworth Institute in Boston, and the University of Southern Maine, earning degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and Computer Science. His many jobs included working for General Electric in Schenectady, New York, Central Maine Power in Augusta, Maine, the Maine Energy Office, Augusta Public Schools, and he proudly retired from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. He loved aviation and was an enthusiast of classic muscle cars and drag racing. Gary also had a deep passion for astronomy, space exploration, renewable environmentally-friendly energy, and his home state of Maine.

Gary will be lovingly remembered by his family, including his wife, Rose Dawbin of Boynton Beach, Florida; children, Erika Dawbin, Brian Dawbin (MaryAnn), Tyler Dawbin (Jennifer), Colleen O’Hare (Craig), Christopher Colfer (Cece); six grandchildren, one great-grandchild; and one brother, George Dawbin, Jr. (Brenda). Gary was predeceased by his parents, George Albert “Bert” and Kathryn “Kay” (Brown) Dawbin, and his brother David Dawbin (Sharon). He will be greatly missed.

A private remembrance for his immediate family was held at the Tillman Funeral Home and Crematory in West Palm Beach, Florida on Dec. 11, 2022. A Celebration of Life is planned for next summer in Maine, with an announcement to be released at a later date.