Bertrand Daniel McAlister

Bertrand, known to family and friends as Dan or Danny, was born on September 14, 1946 to Theona B (Durgin) and Bertrand W. McAlister in North Conway, New Hampshire. For the first years of his life he was raised in Lovell, Maine. The family moved to Danville Junction in 1948. He attended school in the one room schoolhouse and then in the Auburn School District. He graduated from Edward Little High School in 1964. As a student, he played baseball and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

In the fall of 1964, Dan completed two full terms in the carpentry program at Central Maine Vocational Technical Institute. Dan was drafted into the army in 1966. He served a year at Fort Hood Texas and one year in the Vietnam War as a member of the 1st Air Cavalry Division as a LT weapons infantry specialist.

After returning home to Maine in the fall of 1968, Dan met and then married Barbara J. Smyc on October 4,1969. Together they made a home in Danville and raised their daughter Tracy Lea.

Danny spent his career as a carpenter and finished carpenter. Danny had a partnership with Casey Rand. Together they operated McAlister & Rand. Dan also worked for Dion Distributribors making Corian countertops. His last masterpiece was built in 2006 for his daughter and her family. He often shared his knowledge and expertise. Dan was always good at jokes, practical pranks, or a laugh. Danny’s sense of humor was one of his best qualities.

One of Danny’s greatest adventures started with the birth of his grandson, Daniel T. Watson in 2008. At this time Danny became Umpy. The two share a special bond that will never be forgotten or broken. Daniel will continue to live up to his name's sake.

Dan is predeceased by his parents, Theona and Bertrand McAlister, his sister-in- law and her husband, Donna and Robert Harris, Sr. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Barbara Smyc McAlister, their princess, Tracy McAlister Watson, son-in-law, Sean Watson, and their son, Daniel T. Watson, sister and brother-in-law, Suzanne and Rodney Biddle, brother and sister-in-law Lawrence and Laurie McAlister, sister-in- law and husband, Diane and Gerald Vincent. Danny leaves behind many nieces and nephews, and friends that became special extended family.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the ICU medical team at CMMC for the care he received these past few weeks.

A Memorial Service along with a Military Honors Service will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM at The Fortin & Pinette Group in Auburn. In lieu of flowers the family asked that donations be made to a charity of your choice under his name. Memorial Visitation will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025 from 3-6 PM prior to the service at The Fortin & Pinette Group, 217 Turner Street in Auburn, 783-8545. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.thefortingroupauburn.com .