David Roy Dominie II

READFIELD - David Roy Dominie II died on Nov. 26, 2024. Born May 18, 1950, to Gladys Irene Ordway and David Roy Dominie I in Massachusetts, David graduated from Lexington High School in 1967.

A zoology major at the University of New Hampshire, he met his life partner, Holly, in bio lab. Adventure loving, they joined the Peace Corps in 1971, for two years teaching advanced level biology and chemistry at a Kenyan boarding school. They next attended graduate school at the University of Massachusetts, 1973-1976. Drawn to Maine’s natural environment, they made careers and raised children, Will and Reid, in Holly’s home state.

David was kind, gentle, intelligent, and thoughtful. A family man, he loved deeply. He put Holly, Will, and Reid first in his life, giving them (and his garden) the love, space, and kindness to flourish, and welcoming a German “bonus son/ sibling” Hauke Päs, and his family, into the fold. He modeled what it means to be a fully engaged father and husband, free from patriarchal expectations. He passed on his love, enjoyment, and curiosity of the natural world to his children and grandchildren - Ellie and Talon. Known as “Safety Man” to many, David always (well, almost always, there was that one hippo encounter) considered risks before plunging into adventure. His prowess erecting a tarp at the annual Dominie-DelVecchio campsite was much appreciated; his throw from short-stop to first was feared; and his love of kayaking, canoeing, and games with family and friends and, most recently, hiking and exploring nature with Holly and friends in Tucson, Ariz. gave pleasure to all.

David had an accomplished career in the environmental field conserving natural systems, water quality, archeological artifacts and sites, and visual and wildlife values with the same ethic of care he brought to his loved ones. David played a key role in designing and implementing Maine’s first lake restoration project, combatting algal blooms on Annabessacook Lake.Leaving the Cobbossee Watershed District, he joined the Maine Department of Environmental Protection where he was a lakes division biologist, dams coordinator, and finally director of Land Bureau Licensing. Subsequently, he managed environmental permitting projects for Central Maine Power, EPRO Consulting, and then TRC Consulting.

Believing that environmental protection and development professionals should “walk a mile in one another’s shoes,” he was proudest to have contributed to the removal of Fort Halifax Dam in Winslow while working on behalf of a utility company. He leaves behind myriad projects integrating energy infrastructure sensitively into the landscape. He was highly respected on both sides of the environmental permitting system.

David died with medical assistance, ending his suffering from Bulbar ALS, which had severely compromised his ability to talk, eat, and breathe. He faced this challenge with unswerving courage and grace, compassion for his loved ones, and humor.

The weeks prior to David’s death were a beautiful gift. The horrific disease robbed him of motor functions but not his spirit, a spirit that all who love him were able to celebrate: whether it was continuing their Kenya days tradition of counting roadside burros with Holly; advising daughter, Reid, on tips for the garden; listening to Will read a book out loud; playing cribbage with Holly and Barbara; or dashing out to see the super moon or aurora borealis in their bathrobes, David’s love for family, adventure, and nature will live on in those closest to him.

Above all, David will be remembered as a kind man, one of his favorite quotes being: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” (Philo) He is survived by his carefully tended native plants, his much-coveted homegrown garlic; his wife Holly; sister, Dianne Cass; and children Will (and partner Caitlin Miller) and Reid (partner Sean McNabb); grandchildren Ellie and Talon; and other birth and chosen family who will miss him dearly.

They extend their gratitude to the ALS Clinic Team at Mid Coast Hospital, Andwell Hospice, and Maine Death With Dignity non-profit for their compassionate care, and to friends and neighbors for their kind words, support, and nourishment.

At his request, David’s family will hold a private celebration of his life.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences may be shared by visiting www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to either: Kennebec Land Trust https://www.tklt.org/ support-klt Avian Haven https://avianhaven.org/ donate/