LEWISTON – David L. Hale, 55, of 12 Fleming Road, West Bethel, passed away on Friday, Nov. 16, at Central Maine Medical Center, surrounded by his family after fighting a long, courageous battle against cancer.

He was born in Berlin, N.H., on May 25, 1952, the son of Norman I. and Dorothy F. Hale. He attended Bethel schools and graduated from Telstar High School in 1971.

He lived in West Bethel all his life and was last employed as a sawmill foreman, wood scaler and millwright until his diagnosis in 2000.

He married Arlynn Gilbert in 1977 and they celebrated their 30th anniversary last June.

He was a member of the West Bethel Union Church and past master of the Bethel Masonic Lodge No. 97 AF & AM, a life member and Golden Eagle of the NRA, life member of the Handyman Tool Co., charter member of the World War II Memorial, and a supporting member of the Dana Farber Jimmy Fund.

He had a love of animals, especially golden retrievers. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hiking, camping, hunting, fishing and canoeing. He felt a very strong spiritual connection with eagles.

Throughout his illness, he continued living his life one day at a time with a very positive attitude and was happy, joyous and free. He had a wonderful support group, and his family and friends were always there for him. He loved West Bethel for that connection.

He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Amy of Lowell, Mass., and Melinda Evans of West Bethel; a brother, Steven of Mexico; three grandchildren, Brandon of Lowell, Mass., and Hannah and Katelynn of West Bethel.

He was predeceased by his parents; and grandparents.