OAKLAND – Dan Place, 47, died unexpectedly Wednesday, March 9, 2005. He was born Feb. 21, 1958, in Waterville, the son of Bernard and Nazelia (Corey) Place. He was educated in Waterville schools and graduated from Waterville Senior High School, Class of 1976. Dan was married on July 1, 1983, to Carlette Davis and they reside in Oakland. Dan worked as a welder at Bath Iron Works before he decided on his true calling of being an owner/operator and traveling from coast to coast as a long-distance carrier for the past 18 years. He met many wonderful people from around the country and was welcomed by many along his route of 48 states throughout his career. He was especially proud of the fact he was a 2 million mile safe driver and Owner/Operator of the Year in 1992, the year his son was born. Dan enjoyed coaching and sponsoring his son’s little league baseball teams and loved watching him play sports, especially football. He also went skiing, snowmobiling, and in his younger years, loved dirt bike riding with his friends throughout the woods of Maine. Most recently he purchased an ATV (4 wheels for himself) and his son’s first dirt bike so they could ride together. But most of all Dan loved boating, at his camp on Snow Pond and down the Kennebec River from Gardiner to Boothbay. He loved being on the big water as much as he loved being in his big truck. Dan was a true Washington Redskins fan and was able to see them play many times. He also attended events including the Daytona 500 and Bike Week in Florida, to name a few. Throughout his life, he loved all sorts of music and encouraged his friends to buy selections they had never heard of. They were never disappointed if Dan suggested it. He attended many concerts throughout his life, including seeing an all-time childhood favorite, Grand Funk Railroad, at Sea World last year with his son. Dan loved a good joke and was eager to share them with his friends. He also joined a Corvette Club recently and was looking forward to taking his car to the events, meeting more people and experiencing new things. He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 22 years, Carlette and son, Garrett, of Oakland; his mother Nazelia C. Place of Waterville; two aunts; one niece and one nephew; brothers-in-law, Barry Davis and Steven Davis, his “brother in spirit” Wayne Daniels and especially his extended family of truckers throughout Maine and the United States. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday evening at the Redington Funeral Home, 5 Park St., Waterville, where a service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, with the Rev. Peter Joseph, officiating. There will be a reception immediately following at the Fairfield Community Center to celebrate his life, at that time all will have the opportunity and will be welcomed to share their favorite stories. Memorial donations may be made to the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, 93 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901.
DANFORD J. PLACE
