Obituary: David Mark Dickson

David Mark Dickson, Retired Coast Guard Officer and Community Mentor, Dies at 72

Gray, ME – Sept. 26, 2026 – The town of Windham mourns the loss of a beloved resident, David Mark Dickson, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 72. A former U.S. Coast Guard chief petty officer, longtime supervisor for the Town of Windham, and an avid classic‑car enthusiast, Dickson’s life was marked by service, adventure, and a deep devotion to family.

Born on April 29, 1954, in Hanover, Massachusetts, Dickson spent his childhood in East Sandwich on Cape Cod before moving to the Maine coast as a young man. “From a young age he was all about the sea,” said a friend, “and that love carried him into a 23‑year career in the Coast Guard.”

Dickson joined the Coast Guard in 1975 and rose to the rank of chief petty officer before retiring in 1998. The month after leaving the service, he accepted a position as building and grounds supervisor for the Town of Windham, where he worked for 19 years. During that time he earned a reputation as a hands‑on leader who mentored younger employees and maintained the town’s parks and facilities with care.

Beyond his professional duties, Dickson was a self‑taught restorer of vintage automobiles. “He could spend days polishing chrome or working under the hood of a ‘60s muscle car,” recalled a local mechanic who worked alongside him. His workshop, a small space in his Windham home, became a gathering spot for friends who shared a passion for classic cars.

A lover of the outdoors, Dickson spent countless afternoons at the beach, fishing for stripers, or simply soaking up the Maine sun. He also enjoyed extensive travel, driving a 40‑foot Class A motorhome through all 48 U.S. states. His wanderlust took him to Mexico and many Caribbean islands, where he collected stories and memories that he would regale friends and family with at gatherings.

Dickson’s personal life was equally rich. He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Kristia; and son, Corey. His sisters, Gail Staples and Linda Carpenter (James), as well as his grandchildren—Savannah, Nadia, Lauryn, Jaxson, and a young “little bud” named Nicholas—were close to him throughout his life. The family’s loyal Black Labrador, Thelma, was a constant companion, often seen perched near Dickson’s hip as he walked along the shore.

Family members shared that Dickson was a steady presence in their lives, always putting his loved ones first. “He was a father, a husband, a mentor, and a friend,” said Corey. “He’d always have time to listen, to help, and to share a laugh.”

Dickson’s parents, Herbert and Susie (Adams) Dickson, and his brother Peter predeceased him, as did a son, Joshua David Dickson, who had already passed. Friends including Chipper Quatrano and the “Gumshoes” will miss him dearly for his warmth and generous spirit.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, at noon in Windham’s Dolby Blais and Segee at 434 River Road. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at 11 a.m. to share favorite memories and stories before the ceremony. Burial arrangements will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, family members have suggested donations to the Atlantic Rescue Lifesaving Guild Program (ARLGP) at 217 Landing Road, Westbrook, ME 04092, or the Corolla Wild Horse Fund at 1130 Corolla Village Road, Corolla, NC 27927.

David Mark Dickson will be remembered by all who knew him as a dedicated public servant, a skilled artisan, and a kind, adventurous soul who left an indelible mark on Windham and beyond. His legacy of service, family devotion, and love for the outdoors will endure in the hearts of those he touched.