ROCKPORT – Aubrey Clark Young, 83, of Camden, died peacefully Friday, April 4, in Penobscot Bay Medical Center.

He was born June 8, 1924, in Rockport, the son of Aubrey C. and Eva Ruth (Miller) Young. Following his father’s death in 1925, his mother married George H. Ayers, whom Aubrey considered his dad. He attended Camden High School as a member of the Class of 1943, but chose to serve his country after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and entered the U.S. Navy in 1942. He crewed the USS Hanover in the Pacific Theater.

After the war, he returned to Camden to work in the family business, Ayers’ Fish Market. He married Dorothea Dyment on Sept. 12, 1947.

He was a very active member of the community, serving as one of Camden’s town selectmen for many years and was a member of the Camden Lions Club. He also served on the the board of directors for both the Camden Outing Club and Camden YMCA.

Though he was involved in many other community organizations, he had a particular interest in helping the youth. He was a founder of the Camden-Rockport Summer Recreation program.

He is perhaps most remembered in his fish market, which he took over for his stepfather in 1954. Hardly a person would leave his fish market without a smile on their face from his endless supply of jokes, teases and tales. The people of Camden would always know a fundraiser by the constant presence of his fish chowder. The market was also an epicenter of town politics; few could make regular purchases without enduring the news of the moment.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothea of Camden; his son, Craig and wife, Silvia, of North Turner; his son, Stuart of Camden; his grandchildren, Erin and husband, Matthew Mower, of Lewiston, Andrew of North Turner and William of Camden; his brother, George H. Ayers and wife, Ruth, of Gorham; his sisters-in-law, Anne Ayers of Union, Jeanette Tolson of Orlando, Fla., Patricia Ayers of Camden and Betty Dyment of Burketville; and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Harold A. Young, Ralph F. Ayers and Richard E. Ayers; a brother-in-law, Donald Dyment; and his sister-in-law, Dorothy B. Young.

He will also be missed by his faithful and devoted canine companion, Simon.