CARVIN, Donald, 88, September 21, 2015. Arrangements by Dunn Funeral Home, Houlton.
HOULTON – Donald Carvin, 88, died September 21, 2015. He was born November 22, 1926, in Tansboro, New Jersey, the son of James and Catherine (Marshall) Carvin.
Donald graduated from trade school in 1945 as a skilled cabinet maker. He started his career in the logging industry, in the swamps of New Jersey, cutting trees that would be used as telephone poles. The original “swamp logger” Donald and partner, Bill Broome, would have to hand saw enough trees to build a road, and then hand cut the poles, hauling them across the newly built road.
Donald served in the United States Army at the end of World War II, serving as a special courier for the Nuremberg trials in Germany, as well as time served in Alaska.
Upon release from the military Donald worked briefly in an auto repair garage and then moved into construction where he proudly built some of the best homes in south Jersey. For over forty years, he ran his own business and was known for the quality of his construction. His passion was skilled craftsmanship – everything was built to last, and he often reverted back to his training to craft beautiful furniture. Donald loved to bless his family with his treasures, his most special gift a cradle for his great-grandbabies. The family would often tease him because he didn’t just build them sturdy, he built them heavy.
Donald was an avid hunter and throughout his life, he traveled all across the U.S. and Canada on hunting trips. He made lifelong friends and wonderful memories. In the late 60’s, Donald moved to Maine briefly and helped the new owners of the Bowlin Pond Camps make repairs to their new hunting lodge. These were the happiest days of his life, using his skills as a builder and craftsman as well as having the ability to hunt just about any time he wanted, during season of course.
Donald will be remembered as a man of quiet strength, dignity, honesty and compassion. His warm smile, his gentle hugs, the love for his family, and let’s not forget a touch of stubbornness – these things defined his 88 years.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, James and Marshall; a sister, Sylvia; and a great-granddaughter, Hannah Grace. Donald is survived by his only daughter, Cathy Davis and her husband, Mac, with whom he lived for the last 18 years; grandchildren, Michael Surran and his wife, Lisa, Erica Davis Rockwell, her husband, Jaime and their children, Jonathan, Landon, Carter and Lillie, and Matthew Davis and his wife, Billie Jo, and their son, Waylon. Also special friends, Jim and Sue Fecondo and Jon and Betty Smallwood, and an entire extended family of those who were touched by Donald’s generosity and craftsmanship.
Per Donald’s wishes there will be no services. The family will gather during hunting season to celebrate a rich and wonderful life. Those who wish to remember Donald in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the charity of your choice, c/o Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park Street, Houlton, 04730. Online condolences and guest book: dunnfuneral.com
Oscar Wilde said “to live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all”. Donald lived and he lived well. He will be remembered with love and respect.
