SCARBOROUGH - Donald William Brigham passed away peacefully at Gosnell Memorial Hospice in Scarborough, Maine on July 27, 2022 after a brief illness.

Donald wanted to leave us with his gift of thoughts, so we will not mourn his passing, but instead go forward and enjoy our lives as God has intended for us. Donald wrote: "I was born at the Maine General Hospital, the son of Captain Thomas Herbert Brigham, Master Mariner from Harpswell, Maine and Annie Herlene Horr Brigham from Long Island, Maine. My religious affiliation was with the United Methodist Church. I attended Wilson Elementary School, Helen M. King Junior High School, Portland High School and Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute in South Portland. There, I studied electronics after which I enjoyed four years in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965. While in the Air Force, I visited various places, including New Orleans, where I saw strange sights and strange behaviors indeed! I came back and worked in Massachusetts as a Central Office Technician with AT&T, New England Telephone, Bell Atlantic and Verizon. In 2006, I returned to the Maine Coast, my home of choice. I especially enjoyed touring the Islands of Portland Harbor and surrounding waters with the Casco Bay Line cruises and visiting Portland Head Light and coastal areas. My intellectual pursuits include delving into the interrelated aspects of Electronics, Physics, Astronomy and Paranormal Phenomena, which culminated in the study of Theology.

Being a Mainer with seafaring parents and summering on Peaks Island, my heart belongs to the Maine coast and nautical pursuits, and there is nothing better than an old fashioned Maine Fish 'Chowdah'. I have now weighed anchor and gone fishing with my Father and Mother and the sea-men of long ago. I wish everyone ashore the best your continuing voyages have to offer. Live life to the fullest. Don't neglect visiting Portland Headlight during a fog. It's labored voice has a timeless, ethereal quality that will carry you right away. To God, there is no Zero. No goodbyes. Only "Auf 'Wiedersehen" – Until we meet again."

Donald is predeceased by his parents as well as three half-sisters – Deborah (Brigham) Kapsemales, Valerie (Brigham) DeMaranville, Katherine (Brigham) Campbell and a half-brother, Harold Brigham. He is survived by his dear cousin, Dolores L. Davis, who was raised as a sister to Donald. In addition, Donald is survived by several other cousins and second cousins, who are stretched from coast-to-coast.

Donald was a true Patriot. He loved his country and he had a genuine yearning to serve his country. In addition, he was a lifelong learner. After Donald retired from his work at Verizon, he enjoyed his time spent at the Scarborough (Maine) Public Library, where he was able to continue his studies. He made many true and lasting friendships there.

Donald had a sensible, conservative approach to his life. He worked hard to earn his home and his retirement life. He had a conservative, hard-work ethic, coupled with a wonderful, warm sense of humor. Donald had great compassion for others in need, especially animals. He was often seen feeding the wildlife in his back yard and donated to animal welfare causes.

There will be a celebration of Donald's life on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 2 p.m. at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd, South Portland, Maine. Burial with Military Honors will take place at Forest City Cemetery in South Portland, immediately following the celebration of life.