PORTLAND – Dwight Kendall Libby of 211 State St., Portland, passed away on Friday, Nov. 24, at the Gibson Pavilion at Maine Medical Center after a courageous and often difficult three year battle with colon cancer.

He never lost the will to go on, despite numerous setbacks, and was an inspiration to everyone who knew him.

He was born in Auburn, the son of Dwight Lewis Libby, and the late Arlene Washburn Libby, and was a direct descendant of John Libby, who settled in Scarborough in the mid-1600s.

He will be remembered by greater Portland audiences for his many starring roles in Portland Players and Lyric Theater productions, “South Pacific,” “Brigadoon,” “Camelot” and “Annie Get Your Gun,” plus many others throughout southern Maine.

He was a onetime board member of Lyric Theater in South Portland.

No one who knew him will ever forget the countless wedding, anniversary, and birthday cakes, which were fashioned with a great deal of love and professional care.

He was employed by Lee Auto Malls, who was especially supportive throughout his long illness.

His thoughtfulness, loyalty and love of animals will never be forgotten, and his uncounted kindnesses to complete strangers will mark his place here on earth.

He is survived by his father of Auburn; and stepmother, Winnifred Libby; two sisters, Judy Vardamis and partner, Dale Theriault, and Diane Francoeur and her husband, Bill; three nephews, Jeff, Joe, and Tom Francoeur; and several grand nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by aunts, uncles, many loving cousins and friends, Larry Reed, Terri Mitchell, Judy Girard, Craig Chandler, and lifelong friend, Linda Provencher, plus many others too numerous to mention.

His family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and entire support staff for their caring and professional care while he was a patient at the Gibson Pavilion.