Obituary of Donald Francis McBeth

Donald Francis McBeth was born on October 20, 1940, in Melrose, Massachusetts. He passed away unexpectedly on October 18, 2024, in Cushing, Maine. Don was the second child of Donald Alexander and Euphemia “Dede” (nee Bickers) McBeth. He was a character from the moment he took his first breath and was friendly with everyone that he met.

Don graduated from Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, New Hampshire and went on to earn his BA from the University of Maine. Between summers in Maine and various jobs in Massachusetts, Don developed a love of business and a passion for friends and family. Whether people knew him as “Duck”, “Skip”, or simply Don, he was lifelong friends with many people from Melrose, the surrounding area, and his Sigma Chi Fraternity brothers in Orono. He would often drive for hours or fly thousands of miles to be with friends for important life events or just some fun together.

After graduation in 1964, he entered the transportation and logistics business which began a lifelong career in trucking and ocean shipping. After spending the early years of his adult life working in Europe for SeaLand, Don returned to the states in 1973. He met Lynn Andrews, who he married on October 4, 1975. They were blessed with three children, whom they raised in Wyckoff, New Jersey.

Don continued to work in shipping in the New York area. He ultimately spent two decades with Maher Terminals, ending as the Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Don travelled the world to call on customers. He played a leadership role in the creation of a container terminal in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, which opened a new intermodal route for global goods. His contribution to Maher’s success was the capstone of his career.

Don “retired” in 2008 and quickly decided that retirement was “for the birds.” He partnered with friends in purchasing a saltwater blueberry farm and brought the same dedication and focus to this project that had served him throughout his career. Don took great pride in improving his land in both Cushing and Belgrade Lakes. He loved to be outside, either boating or working in the woods and fields. But he took the most pride in being a father. Don always stressed the importance of family, and he was an excellent role model for his three children.

He also served as a surrogate father and mentor for many others whom he guided with advice and his steady, loving presence. He was kind-hearted, charismatic, and thoughtful with everyone he knew. He was quite the storyteller – and many of those tales were even true! Don was generous with his time, his treasure, and his heart. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Don was predeceased by his sister, Sandra Ann McBeth.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Lynn Andrews McBeth; by his three children: Donald Andrew “Andy” McBeth and wife Alexzandra “Zandy” McBeth and their children Donald “Fraser”, Henry “Hammie”, and Eleanor; by Denise McBeth Marshall and husband Dustin Marshall and their children Lilianna, Jackson, Hailey, and Madelyn; and by Craig Judson McBeth and wife Clarena Lopez McBeth and their children Blanca, Camilla, Isla, and Estella.

There will be a small private ceremony for the immediate family in Rockland, Maine on October 27, 2024, followed by a Celebration of Life with his friends and family in June of 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s honor to Maine Woodlands Owners at https://www.mainewoodlandowner... or to The Belgrade Lakes Association at https://belgradelakesassociati....

To share a memory or condolence with the McBeth family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.