PORTLAND — Andrew Raymond Buck, 62, of Bethel and Dixmont, died at Maine Medical Center on Saturday, Sept. 25, following a stroke suffered in August at the family farm on Intervale Road, Bethel.

He was surrounded by his family, daughter and son-in law, Catherine and Sam Preston of South Portland; daughter, Elizabeth Buck, her partner, Joe Rice, their son, Colton and a son to be born in December, all of Durham; daughter, Valarie Buck and her partner, Brian Orr of Bowdoin; and former wife and lifelong friend, Elaine Buck of Bowdoinham; his mother, Beatrice Buck of Bethel; brother, Roger Buck of Portland and his family; sister, Catherine Buck of Ann Arbor, Mich., and her family; and his close friends, especially Laurel Beal and David Carter.

Andrew was born on Oct. 8, 1947, and spent his early years on the family farm in Bethel. He earned a degree in agriculture at the University of Maine. He loved farming, working on both the family farm and his own farm in Newburgh. In later years, he owned a grounds maintenance company in the Dixmont area and maintained trails at Carter’s X-C Ski Center in Bethel.

He spent every possible moment outdoors whether working or playing. He was an avid skier and long distance runner, competing at the high school and college levels and running the Boston Marathon. He was a very social person, reveling in the company of friends, including a series of dogs whom he cherished and who accompanied him everywhere. He had a kind and generous nature. Even though he was not a rich man, he never hesitated to give of his time or possessions to anyone who asked and to many who did not.

He was intensely interested in politics and current events and would debate them passionately. He had the dry sense of humor which is so often characteristic of New Englanders and was an entertaining storyteller. In keeping with his innate playfulness, he looked forward each year to Halloween over all other holidays.

Nothing in life gave him more pleasure than spending time with his daughters. He loved taking them on adventures, especially outdoors. Hiking the trails in Acadia National Park and kayaking the Androscoggin River are among the many memorable adventures with his family. Even as walking became difficult for him, he still accompanied them climbing Step Falls or going on fishing trips. Andrew thoroughly enjoyed sharing his connections to Bethel with his children and treasured the time they spent there together. He will be greatly missed.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com.