SOUTH PORTLAND – Thomas L. “PoohBah” Heseltine, 60, of South Portland, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at Maine Medical Center.

He was born in Portland on April 25, 1946.

He attended South Portland schools and after graduating from South Portland High School in 1965, entered the Merchant Marine. He went on to serve as a firefighter in the Portland Fire Department for 26 years, retiring as a captain in 1993.

Tom had a lifelong passion for airplanes and flying, and was always proud of the fact that he obtained his private pilot’s license before his driver’s license.

He was a fan of NASCAR, and because of his love of the sea, spent the latter part of his life working on local whale watching and scenic cruise vessels. He especially enjoyed his annual deep-sea fishing trip with his friends.

Tom enjoyed the outdoors and nature. He liked caring for animals, bird watching and was an avid gardener who created a beautiful garden in which he spent much of his time. He was always willing to share his knowledge of nature and gardening, airplanes, woodworking, model building, astronomy, history and life in general. He enjoyed all puzzles, especially Sudoku. He loved a good joke and sharing a laugh, and was always ready to help anyone in need. One of his greatest qualities was his calm nature in any situation.

Tom was a devoted husband, father, brother and grandfather and will be remembered as a man who loved the company of his family, close friends and neighbors.

Tom will be greatly missed by those he left behind, his beloved wife, Theresa; sons, Patrick Heseltine and John Brennan; daughters, Julia Brand, Kathleen Parent and her companion, Kevin Belanger, Kelly Wasina and her husband, Richard; and grandchildren, Cali Jess Heseltine, Corey Brennan, and Emily, Lydia and Richard Wasina.

He is also survived by his sisters, Carole Collins, Mary Bonneau and her husband, Andy, and Kathy Hill; his brothers, John Heseltine and his wife, Margaret, and Samuel Heseltine and his wife, Kathleen; his aunt, Glennis Thompson; his cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Sara Heseltine; his biological mother, Maxine Storey; and granddaughter, Kayla Brennan.