OWLS HEAD — Ernest “Ernie” Dugan, affectionately known to many as “Bub,” a beloved father, brother and friend, died unexpectedly, while wintering in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Born in Rockland, October 26, 1947, he was the son of John Owen and Mildred K. Grover Dugan. Educated locally, Ernie was a 1965 graduate of Rockland District High School. Following graduation, Ernie enlisted in
the US Navy, serving on the nuclear submarine Ulysses S. Grant during the Vietnam Era.

Upon being honorably discharged he ventured to California to be near family. There he attended and graduated from Chaffey College. A short time later he was drawn back to his beloved Rockland where he reunited with his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Jean Moore. The two were married at Phyllis’ family home in Owls Head on September 29, 1972. Returning to Ontario, California, they welcomed their first daughter, Jennifer to the family before settling in Owls Head in 1975. Calling Owls Head their forever home, they welcomed a second daughter, Angie.

Ernie began his working career as a commercial fisherman when his daughters were young. He was a long-haul truck driver while living in California and Maine, and even taught a truck driving school in Rockland. At one point he owned “Dugan’s Seafood,” hauling lobsters and seafood to New York City.

Ernie was a master carpenter and woodworker and was always “flipping houses.” Holding both a real estate license and carpentry license, he has helped build and renovate hundreds of beautiful homes over the years. Later in life, Ernie ran the J. Marie Martin Company in Rockland, moving with it through its transition to Lydon Brisher when the new building was built, ultimately retiring from there.

Ernie was never one to sit idle, and was always on the go. For many years he has spent winters in Barefoot Bay, Florida where he made countless friends. He could fix anything and everything and always had a project to work on. He enjoyed looking in on and helping his neighbors and was always the first to offer a helping hand. His daily walks around the neighborhood and beaches gave him the opportunity to stay in touch with old friends and meet new people.

He was an avid outdoorsmen and loved going hunting and fishing. Spending time at the family cottage at Lermond Pond was one of his favorite pastimes. Family cookouts and golfing with his brothers was something he always looked forward to.

He loved to travel, whether it was throughout Maine to research family genealogy and history or across the country to visit family. He took great pride in his heritage and always made sure to share it and pass it on to the next generation. He had a great sense of civic duty and was active in all of the communities in which he lived. He has served on the volunteer fire department in Owls Head and on many different boards in town government.

Ernie’s number one priority in life was his family. He would drop everything to attend his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities. He took great pleasure in coaching his daughters’ softball teams over the years. He was truly the family patriarch and always looked out for everyone in the “Dugan Clan.” His daughter remembers he was the one who was always there for everyone!

Ernie was full of life, a loyal friend, a hard worker and someone who lived life to the fullest. His positive, happy nature will be sadly missed by all who had the good fortune to know and love him.

Predeceased by his parents; his wife, Phyllis; two brothers-in-law, Donald Holbrook, David Higley; and a grandson Lincoln Whitney; Ernie is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Dugan and her children, Max Dugan Lombardo, Jack Dugan Lombardo, Lilly Jean Lombardo and Jenny’s life partner Glenn Griffin and his daughter Alyssa Griffin; his daughter Angie Mae Dugan and her daughter Meghan Jean Keizer; his siblings, Patricia “Pat” Holbrook of Hope, John Dugan and his wife Melody of Warren; Cheryl Dugan-Higley of Appleton; Henry Dugan and his wife Marji of Owls Head, Stephen Dugan and his wife Mary Kay of Helendale, California; his nieces and nephews, Scott Holbrook, Donald Holbrook John Holbrook, Joanie Tripp, Lisa George, John “Johnny” Dugan, Arthur Whitney, Melissa Maxwell, Jeremy Taylor-Farley, Stephen Dugan and Sean Dugan; one aunt, Judy Benner of Friendship; a close cousin, Neal Grover and his wife Debbie and their daughter Elisa all of Appleton; many great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, a large extended family, and many close friends.

Family and friends are invited to greet the family during a visitation Monday, May 3, 2021, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at 1 p.m., at the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion, Limerock Street, in Rockland.

To share a memory or condolence with the Dugan family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.