Obituary of Daniel E. Colby

Daniel E. Colby, 53, of Windsor, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2012 with family by his bedside. He was born in Augusta on September 3, 1958, the son of Rufus K. and Theresa (Fecteau) Colby. He attended Windsor Elementary School and graduated from Erskine Academy in June, 1977.Danny was raised in Windsor and went on to raise his own family in this local community that he loved so much. He had a daughter, Meagan, with his first wife, Kimberly in Jefferson. He also helped raise his stepson, Jeffrey C. Feyler, Jr., with his second wife, Carole in Windsor. Danny’s first job was raking blueberries and when he was old enough, he began working at Willoughby’s Store (Country Corners) in Coopers Mills. In 1980 Danny went to work at Pine State Tobacco & Candy and was there until he could no longer work a full time job due to his disabilities associated with Charcot Marie Tooth, a hereditary form of muscular dystrophy. Danny later went on to work part-time at Windsor Convenience/Rideout’s Market & Grille for more than 10 years, until January of last year when he was no longer able to continue work due his recent diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis. Throughout his many years in this community, he had built lifelong friendships and been very close with his family. Working in the local store was not just a job for Danny; it was what kept him going every day. It allowed him to keep in constant contact with the local people, family, and friends and even meet new people every day. He passed away peacefully, 1 year from the date in which hundreds of his friends gathered for a spaghetti dinner & auction at the American Legion in Augusta to show support. It was because of their love and support that they were able to raise enough money for Danny to spend the last year of his life in his home surrounded by his friends and family, fighting every day to be with them. He was a strong man with strong relationships and it was those strong relationships that kept him such a strong man. Danny loved to go dancing, play cards and go fishing with his buddies. He was also a member of Masons Riverside Lodge A.F. & A.M. #135 in Jefferson.Dan was predeceased by his father, Rufus; his mother, Theresa; and his sister, Lisa.He is survived by his daughter, Meagan and her husband Jacob Rogers of Whitefield; his stepson, Jeffrey and his wife Stacey of Windsor; his sisters, Ann Grimshaw and her husband, Richard of Randolph, Maine and Zepherhills, Florida and Janet Silva of Windsor; his brothers, William St. Pierre and his wife Audrey of Chelsea; and Nathaniel Colby and his wife Kelly of Windsor; his grandsons, Jacob Rogers Jr. and Jeffrey C. Feyler, III and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.The family is very grateful for all the support of his many friends, the Windsor community, and all the businesses that helped to make Dan’s life more comfortable. It is a true testament to the great man that he was. We would also like to thank Maine General Health Reach Hospice and Homecare for making it possible for Dan to stay in the comfort of his own home. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Maine General Health Reach Hospice and Homecare.There will be a celebration of Danny’s life at Windsor Elementary School on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 6pm. Arrangements by Direct Cremation of Maine. Online condolences to the family can be made at www.directcremationofmaine.comRiposta Funeral Home