PORTLAND – Dana Bragdon, 78, of Portland, died peacefully at home on Friday evening, June 21, 2004, with his family at his side. He was not expected to live much longer after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer three years ago, but he continued to maintain his active lifestyle that allowed him to live longer than expected. He was born May 20, 1926, the youngest of seven children of the late Ernest and Marcia (Hardison) Bragdon in Franklin. Educated at Franklin schools, he graduated from Franklin High School in 1944. Drafted in the U.S. Army in October 1944, he served with the 96th Infantry Division in the Philippines and on Okinawa in World War II, and was honorably discharged in Dec. 1946. In May 1947, he became a student telegrapher with the Maine Central Railroad and went on to be agent/telegraph operator through 1953, when he qualified as a Train Dispatcher at the station in Bangor. In 1960, he was transferred to Union Station in Portland. He worked there as Chief Train Dispatcher until June of 1986. He was a member of the VFW Post No. 832 in South Portland. He was happily married for 52 years to Joyce (Barrett) Bragdon. He was a wonderful husband and father whose first priority was his family. Always a sensitive man, he loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son, Darryl. He was an avid golfer and in recent years, he frequently played miniature golf with his family. In addition to his wife, the other great love of his life was his little dog, Mona, who would spend hours sitting in his lap. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Bragdon; his daughter, Debra Power and her husband, George, of Auburn; his son, Darryl Bragdon Sr. and his wife, Linda, of Windham; four grandchildren, Jason and Daniel Power, Darryl Jr. and Jeremy Bragdon; and five great-grandchildren. He was recently predeceased by his beloved granddaughter, Nicola. Visiting hours will be held on 4-8 p.m. Thursday, June 24, at Jones-Rich-Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. At 7 p.m. VFW Post No. 832 will conduct a memorial service. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, June 25, at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Brooklawn Memorial Park. Those wishing may send a tribute to www.mem.com. If so desired, memorial donations may be made to Maine Center for Cancer, Medicine and Blood Disorders, 100 Campus Dr., Suite 108, Scarborough, ME 04074.
DANA BRAGDON
