BUCKSPORT – Roland W. Grindle, 80, died of cancer, May 27, at his home in Bucksport.

He was born Nov. 16, 1923, in Bucksport, the son of Ivor and Bessie (Coombs) Grindle. He graduated from Walter Gardner High School, Bucksport, in 1941, and served in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II, after civil service duty at Pearl Harbor.

He was the founder of the Roland Grindle Insurance Agency, having taken over a small farm insurance business from his father. He grew that business into a vibrant operation that continues today. He continually stressed that the client always came first.

He loved farming, fishing, and hunting, and was very successful at each of those pastimes, year in and year out.

He was a member of the East Bucksport United Methodist Church, and a member of the Professional Insurance Agents, Independent Insurance Agents, American Legion, Grange, Masons, and the Bucksmills Rod and Gun Club.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean (Parsons) Grindle of Bucksport; daughter, Robin Augustadt and husband, Bruce of Ridgefield, Conn.; son, Terrance Grindle and wife, Cynthia of Bucksport; five grandchildren, Gayle Lyons and husband, Paul, Ramsey Augustadt and wife, Emilee, and Abraham, Lucas, and Caleb Grindle; two great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Emma Lyons; his helpful companion and friend, George Pelletier; and many, many, cousins.

He was predeceased by his son, Paul in 1949; granddaughter, Brienne in 1982. “He was one of the good guys!”