LYMAN – Albert Bernard “Al” Camire, 82, of Goodwins Mills Road, died early Thursday morning, July 21, 2011, surrounded by his family at his residence. He was born Feb. 12, 1929, in Limerick, a son of Armand H. and Carrie H. (Eastman) Camire.
He grew up in West Kennebunk and graduated from Kennebunk High School. He lived for many years in the Bangor area before moving to Lyman. He and his wife, Katherine, also lived in Phoenix. In 1946 Al enlisted in the U.S. Army. An accomplished equestrian, he was accepted into the U.S. Army’s Second Division last Mounted Cavalry Unit. During his enlistment, he served as a driver for a 3-Star Army general. He became a trusted part of the general’s family, even teaching his daughter how to ride horseback. Al was also trusted to escort the general’s family to various affairs and events, allowing him to appreciate the local culture and arts. After completing his enlistment he was discharged, only to be drafted back to active duty at the onset of the Korean War. He was severely injured during the war, losing hearing in both ears. After his discharge he worked for many years in roadwork and construction as an active member of Local No. 4 of the International Union of Operating Engineers. Al then accepted a position with the Maine state AFL-CIO, which led to a 35-year career with the National AFL-CIO in the northeast region and retired in 1992. During his tenure, his proudest accomplishment was the organization and unionization of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He was also instrumental in lobbying to prohibit the requirement of polygraph tests for state jobs. He was a long time member of the Democrat Party, and was active in numerous state roundtable groups and federal campaigns. Al was an avid outdoorsman. Hunting the Maine woods and spending time at his cabin in Sebec were his passions. He enjoyed gardening and yard work, and was a consummate reader of history, especially the World War II period. Al was a life member of Disabled American Veterans and Elks Lodge, Bangor.
Survivors include his loving wife, Katherine of Lyman; five daughters, Judy Nute and her husband, Gary, of Hampstead, N.H., Pam Farley of Rockport, Texas, Brenda Camire of Norfolk, Va., Barbara Camire and her husband, Brian, of Kenmore, Wash., and Carrie-Marie Weeks and her husband, Dustin, of Gilbert, Ariz.; his son, Albert A. Camire of Gilbert, Ariz.; his brother, Roger R. Camire of West Kennebunk; his sister, Mildred L. Hill of Springvale; six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, numerous nephews and nieces.
Calling hours will be held 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, at Holy Spirit Parish, St. Martha’s Church, Kennebunk. Burial with military honors will afterward at Ocean View Cemetery, Wells. Should friends desire, memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel.
www.bibberfuneral.com