AUBURN — David L. Galen passed away peacefully at the Hospice House in Auburn on Oct. 16.

He was born in Columbia, on March 21, 1933, to Thomas and Cora Galen. He grew up in Cherryfield and attended Cherryfield Academy.

On June 8, 1956, he married Cynthia Archer at what was to become their family home on Soules Hill in Jay. After working in area shoe factories for several years, he was employed at Forster Manufacturing as a machinist. His true passion was caring for others during his many years as an EMT and assisting his good friend, Frank Keegan, at Keegan’s Ambulance Services and Funeral Home.

Dave was a long time member of Bean’s Corner Baptist Church. He enjoyed bowling, playing the guitar, hours playing cribbage and was rarely seen without a cup of coffee. He was always surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and especially enjoyed watching them play sports.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cynthia; his five children, Lynn Smith and husband, Randy, of North Jay, Cathi Burke and husband, Alan, of South China, Bethany Hoyt and husband, Randy, of Wilton, Scott Galen and wife, Donya, of Ephrata, Penn., and Deborah McDermott and husband, Robert, of Pleasant Prairie, Wisc.; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and he was a “grandpa” to many more through the years. Two sisters also survive him, Evon Kennedy of Canton and Ellestine Gray of Cherryfield; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his three brothers, Alan, John and Leon Dalot.

The family extends their appreciation to the many caring people at Androscoggin Home Hospice Care with special thanks to the Rev. Richard Waddell, Alex Dion and Bonnie Fitch for their loving care.

Condolences and tributes may be shared with his family at www.wilesrc.com.