David MacLeod Rand

(Portland, Maine) David MacLeod Rand, the third of four sons, was born to Carolyn and Alvas Rand on December 21, 1934. He and his brothers Bud, Dick, and Tom were a lively bunch who relished in a shared sense of fun and humor. He had a very special relationship with his brother, Tom, who was twelve years his junior.

David loved running around in the neighborhood on Stanley Street in Augusta, Maine. He was always playing ball and was a talented athlete who excelled on sports teams at Cony High School, Northfield Mt. Herman School, Springfield College and the University of Maine at Orono. He was a charismatic leader and a hard worker who instilled confidence in his peers. He captained two teams during his senior year at Cony and went on to play baseball with the Augusta Merchants.

He met his future wife, Julie Pullen, when they were children. They began dating when they were 15 and were married in 1957 at the Green Street Methodist Church. They were truly life-long partners who grew up together, supported and encouraged each other, and pursued many adventures throughout 68 years of marriage. To celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary David and Julie organized a trip to the Canadian Maritimes where together, with their children and grandchildren, they kayaked with whales, danced to traditional Celtic music, and went zip lining.

David and Julie have three daughters; Pam, Kathie, and Susan. A fun, devoted, and loving father David created many opportunities for his daughters and family. He encouraged their interests and talents and expressed love and pride in their accomplishments.

David was inspired by the beauty of nature and was an avid outdoorsman. He employed his athleticism to hiking, camping, canoeing, and sailing. Along with the tradition of running the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race, he spearheaded a 10-day family backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail and organized a family white water canoe trip on The Allagash River. In his 70’s, David organized a three-month cross-country van trip for himself and Julie. The two of them hiked 39 mountain trails together.

He pursued a successful and meaningful career at the University of Maine at Orono where he also earned a master’s degree. He began as an assistant football coach and was a member of the coaching staff that took the Black Bears to the 1965 Tangerine Bowl in Florida. At the University, David transitioned into the Dean’s office assuming the role of Associate Dean of Student Activities and Director of the Memorial Union. Open and supportive of people from all walks of life, David appreciated different points of view. Throughout his professional and personal life, he pursued his greatest desire - to give to others by showering people with his encouragement, enthusiasm, and guidance.

David loved people! He was deeply curious about everyone he met and seemed to know someone wherever he went. He was a favorite adult to many of his children’s friends and was always the “cool” father that teenage friends appreciated. With a ready smile and a sharp wit, he was eager to share a funny story or joke. He enjoyed many escapades with his Orono friends: Alan, Walt, Woody, Brud and Bill. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, a vibrant community, under the leadership of the beloved John Neff.

Passionate about music, he listened to it all day long and often whistled throughout the day. His knowledge and enjoyment of music embodied his soul and carried him through life. Being of Scottish descent, he learned to play the bagpipe and became a member of the Northern Border Caledonia Pipe and Drum bagpipe band. He sang in church choirs and enjoyed improvising tunes on the piano. Always encouraging the enjoyment of music for everyone in his family, David was overjoyed to hear his daughter Kathie’s arrangement of White Christmas performed by The Portland Community Chorus in his honor. David was listening to piano music by George Winston when he died peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Julie and David retired to a home on Damariscotta Lake in Jefferson, Maine where the family had summered for years. He loved his many Jefferson friends including the band of Friday Nighter’s and channeled his love and stewardship of the environment into his leadership role with the former Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association. He became an active member of the Broad Bay Congregational Church in Waldoboro.

Above all, David loved and cared for his family. In turn he was adored and admired by all his children and grandchildren who affectionately called him Papa. He brought smiles to the faces of his great grandchildren with whom he played. During his retirement David and Julie traveled throughout six world continents. His love of people and interest in learning continued to spark connections with people from all over the world. He would want to be remembered to a special Swiss “daughter” Francoise de Chastonay who lived with David and Julie during her college years.

David is lovingly remembered by his wife, Julie Rand; his daughters, Pam Dawson and her husband, Bill; Kathie McCatherin and former husband, Chuck McCatherin (Ruthie Noble); Susan Pullen and her husband, Rich; his grandchildren; William (Annie), Jacob (Brooke), Ben (Meghan), Chad (Stephanie), Jamie, Annie (Nick), and Lindsay (Isaac). He is also survived by his great grandchildren; Mattie, William, Blair, Cameron, Ellie, Grace, Jonathan, and Carolynn, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and their families.

The family wishes to thank Todd Woodsome, and the teams at Northern Lights Home Care and Home Instead for their loving care for David.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests scholarship donations to University of Maine students. Contact the University of Maine Foundation to contribute to the Music Gift Fund or to the Football Program Fund -- call 207 581 5100.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of David’s life on Monday, May 22 at 2:30 pm at the Foreside Community Church, 340 Foreside Road, Falmouth, Maine.