FALMOUTH — Dr. Delwood Coleman Damboise, 83, (known to most as Del), passed away on January 7, 2016, surrounded by his family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
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He was born on March 8, 1932 in Caribou, Maine, the son of Edward Damboise and Evelyn Soucie. During his early school years, he attended a one room schoolhouse, located near the family farm. Del graduated from Caribou High School, where he excelled in academics and athletics, earning 16 varsity letters. He was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” and was the Salutatorian of his graduating class. After attending Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, Maine, he graduated from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry in 1957.
Del joined the United States Air Force after graduating dental school, serving as a dentist, and earning the rank of Captain. He was stationed overseas and traveled extensively throughout Europe as well as to Saudi Arabia and the Soviet Union. Del met his wife, Betty, while stationed in Germany, and they married in 1961.
Upon returning to Maine, he opened his dental practice in Portland in 1960 and practiced for 42 years, often seeing successive generations of families. His practice was open on Saturday mornings, in order to accommodate patients who worked during the week. He taught pharmacology at Westbrook College for several years, becoming a favorite instructor who was often asked to speak at commencement.
Del enjoyed many hobbies during his lifetime including tennis, golf, photography and skiing, but was best known for his sailing. He was a long time member of the Portland Yacht Club. He raced his sailboat “Barbara” all along the Maine coast for 45 years, winning countless races with his dedicated and longstanding crew, which included his son, David. He was a very competitive sailor, who paid meticulous attention to detail. He taught his children and grandchildren how to sail. He also taught his three children to ski and each winter he would take the family on a ski vacation to Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec. Del always had a special place in his heart for children and babies. His boat always contained a “candy drawer” to the delight of many children. Del would always schedule a half day on Wednesdays so he could spend the afternoon playing with his grandchildren.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother and developed many friendships in his many years in the Portland area. Del had a special place in his heart for Aroostook County, often taking his family to see the area where he grew up. He maintained close ties to family and friends in Caribou, frequently returning for weddings, funerals and high school reunions.
Del is survived by his dear wife of 53 years, Betty Damboise of Falmouth, his three children, Dr. Suzette Damboise and her husband, Dr. Daniel Skiest of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, David Damboise and his wife, Shauna of Yarmouth, and Michelle Damboise of Portland. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Hannah, Madeline, Benjamin, Amelia and Jake and his sister, Diane Hall and her husband, Ron of Waldoboro, Maine. The family would like to extend a special thanks to all of those at Sedgewood Commons, Longfellow Unit and Hospice of Southern Maine, for their exceptional care.
Friends and family were invited to attend a time of visitation from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 12, 2016, at Jones-Rich-Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Holy Martyrs Church, 266 Foreside Rd., Falmouth, on Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at 11 a.m., with a reception that followed. Del will be laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery in Falmouth, in a private ceremony at a later date. Online condolences can be given to the family at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.
