BUCKFIELD — Douglas Patrick Arthur, 67, of Buckfield, died of a sudden illness on Monday, Oct. 4, at his home, surrounded by his wife and children.

He was born in New Haven, Conn., Feb. 27, 1943, the son of Joseph and Della (Butler) Arthur. He attended schools in Branford, Conn.

He served in the Connecticut National Guard and had been employed at Pratt and Whitney. He was the owner of a carpet installation business in Connecticut for many years. Upon moving to Maine, he worked at Pioneer Plastics in Auburn. With his wife, they operated a foster home for physically challenged adults for more than 25 years.

Twenty six years ago, he was a recipient of a kidney transplant. He enjoyed woodworking, especially furniture building and learning how to tinker on his computer with his grandson. He had been a member of the Elks Lodge in Connecticut. He was proud of his Irish heritage. He loved his grandchildren and his 1957 Chevy. On Aug. 28, 1965, he married Maryann Geyer.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years; a daughter, Elizabeth Hinkley and her husband, Dennis, of Buckfield; a son, Stephen, of Greenwood; a son, Jeffrey, of Oxford; a daughter, Heather Zizza and her husband, David, of Rowley, Mass.; a son, Pete Eichhorn; and a daughter-in-law, Michele Bennett; grandchildren, Cameron and Kayla Hinkley and Joey Hooper, Shane Arthur, Beckham and Cruz Zizza, Carla and Cheryl Eichhorn; great-grandchildren, Camden Hinkley and D.J. Cote; his extended family, Marie and Milt Krom of Florida, Fred and Sonya Geyer of Connecticut, Paul and Dot Geyer of Maine, Jean and Gary Ulman of Vermont, Butch and Hilda Bailey of Connecticut and Billy and Cecee Geyer of Nevada; many nieces and nephews; two foster residents, Denise Breton and Alan Huckabey; his 1957 Chevy; and woodworking buddies, Skip Douglas, Don Cyr and Jeff Bureau.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Della Arthur; and his best buddy, Dana Coburn.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com.