AUBURN – Donald T. Appleby, 62, of Turner, went to be with his Lord, parents and friends in Heaven on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the Hospice House, after a long battle with Huntington’s disease.

He was born in St. Johns, New Brunswick, Canada, on March 4, 1945, and was adopted at the age of 6 months by his loving parents, Dr. Alva and Lucienne Appleby of Skowhegan. He attended Skowhegan schools and graduated from the Maine Central Institute, Pittsfield, in 1964.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1967 as a photographer aboard the U.S.S. Canopus. He attended Southern Maine Technical College and became an auto mechanic. He worked for Toyota for 20 years, first as a mechanic and later as a parts manager.

While employed for Thrifty Toyota of Auburn, Don received the parts manager of the year award for six years. In 1991, he trained at Northeast Tractor Trailer Training School and got his CDL to drive the big rigs, a lifelong dream. He drove for a brief time for J.B. Hunt.

He loved the outdoors and spent much time growing up at the family camp at Lily Bay on Moosehead Lake. Fishing and hunting were favorite pastimes. He loved country music and especially Johnny Cash and his music.

He was a member of High Street Congregational Church in Auburn, and his favorite place to go in later years was always to church on Sunday. His faith sustained him throughout his 18-year struggle with Huntington’s disease. He knew with conviction that he would “party” with his mom, dad, predeceased friend, Jim Allen, and Johnny Cash in Heaven when he got there.

He was a dedicated father and grandfather and friend. He especially treasured his Navy shipmates of the Canopus including Eddie Hornkohl and his wife, Joyce, of Kennsington, Conn. He was very proud of having served in the Navy.

He leaves his wife of 21 years, Penny Appleby of Turner; a son, Paul Harrison and his wife, Lisa, of Framingham, Mass.; a son, Stephen M. Harrison and his wife, Edie, of Alpharetta, Ga.; a daughter, Jennifer Appleby Ward and her husband, Justin, of Stow; a daughter, Kristin Wildsmith and her husband, Justin, of St. Louis, Mo.; a sister, Diana Appleby Evans and her husband, John, of Ogunquit; his special mother-in-law, Audrey M. Ligler of Alpharetta, Ga.; the granddaughter he called “his girlfriend,” Sydney Maya Harrison; grandson, Dakota Sterling Ward; granddaughters, Anaya and Solana Ward; a nephew, Jason Evans, and his wife, April, and children Tyler and Jillian of Ogunquit; and a niece, Susan Evans Canney, and her husband, Michael and their daughter Morgan of Braintree, Mass.

He was predeceased by his mother, Lucienne Blanchard Appleby; and his father, Dr. Alva Sterling Appleby.

A special thank-you to Heidi Masselli and her two sons, Lucas and Easton who have tried to “keep Donnie straight” for two years in our home and also to Pat Lilley who joined the tag team of care this last October. In addition, words are not big enough for the heart felt gratitude to Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice organization and especially the staff at Hospice House in Auburn for their warm and sustaining support throughout this last journey.