AUGUSTA — Patrick George Diters, 60, of Mechanic Falls, died May 3, at the VA Medical Center Hospice after a courageous and painful battle with cancer.

He was born in Hartford, Conn., Oct. 5, 1952, to George and Gladys (Humphrey) Diters. He grew up in Canton, Conn., and attended Canton schools, graduating in 1970. He then enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years.

Patrick married the love of his life, Mary E. Holt, April 21, 1984. They were best buddies for more than 29 years.

Patrick loved his bees, and his dogs, Rocky, Tess and Wendall and his cat, Sweetpea. He was an outdoor kind of guy and a true nature lover. Most days you could find him out in the yard, mowing, gardening and tending his bees.

He worked for Scott Dugas Excavating Inc. on and off for many years.

Survivors include his wife, Mary and his mother, Gladys, of Mechanic Falls; stepson, Henry L. Foss and his wife, Lynn; grandchildren Henry, Jessica and Nathan of Shelton, Conn.; cousins, Mark Diters and family of Canton, Conn., Meg Englestrom and family of Alaska, Charles Diters and family of Alaska, Margaret and James Hall and family of Granby, the Jean and Robert Humphrey and family of Canton, Conn., Edith Hungerford and family of Austin, Texas; his Maine family, Anthony and Deb Holt of Portland, Stephen and Patricia Holt Billey of Auburn, Christopher Holt and Denise DeRice of Portland, John A. Holt of Denver, Colo.; many devoted nieces and nephews; special friends, Carl and Kim Zils of Trescott, Tim Griffin of Phippsburg, and (Sarah) Jean Ferguson of Whitefield.

He was predeceased by his father; and brother, Grady.

A special thank-you to all the wonderful nurses and CNAs in 3 South 200, and the Hospice Unit of the VA Medical Center, whose loving diligence kept him comfortable and happy.