David G. Hallstrom

SCARBOROUGH - David G. Hallstrom, 49, of Arundel, died Sunday, September 18, 2011, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House after a long brave battle with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He was born in Portland, May 24, 1962, the son of Joseph N. Hallstrom, Sr and Beverly B. (Woodman) Hallstrom. David grew up in South Portland and graduated from South Portland High School. For many years he practiced his trade of carpentry, but the idea of adventure took hold and he went to work for Gabriel Electronics, traveling throughout the United States. Just prior to his retirement due to his stem cell transplant in July of 2007, he worked for McBrady Roofing. In all things that he did he took great pride in his workmanship and was a team player. David was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and camping. These activities he learned from his Dad as a child, and he took great pride and enormous pleasure spending time with his own son teaching him these activities and so much more. He also enjoyed football and NASCAR. David never lost sight of hope. In the beginning he hoped for a cure. When there was no cure in sight, he hoped that a stem cell transplant would give him more years in his life. Although he experienced a short lived remission, his illness returned. He endured years of treatment all with the hope to live a little longer and to enjoy each day to the fullest by being in the moment. He always had a smile on his face and whenever anyone asked how he was his reply was always the same, "I'm good, how about you?" His thoughts were always on the welfare of others. He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. Time spent with his son, a visit with friends and family, all things in nature... lakes, rivers, ponds, the ocean, the woods and the mountains and all four seasons in Maine. He could often be found sitting quietly at Roger's Pond in Kennebunk reading the paper with the sun shining down on his face. Here he often found peace... David was predeceased by his mother, Beverly Hallstrom and brother Joseph N. Hallstrom, Jr. in 2007. He is survived by his son Jacob N. Hallstrom and his father Joseph N. Hallstrom, Sr. of Arundel; one sister, Susan M. Paquette and Daniel Raposa of York; and several nieces and nephews including Joseph N. Hallstrom III, Katrina, Kelly and Kristen Hallstrom, Jennifer Paquette, Jaimee (Paquette) Hanscom, Bobby Hanscom, and Jim Paquette, who was not only his nephew but his best friend. During the last few years of David's life he was blessed with the special love and support from Linda Hall of Monterey, California. David is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins, grand nieces and grand nephews and many friends... all who held a special place in David's heart. Our family would like to sincerely thank the many people at Maine Center for Cancer Medicine in Brunswick, Scarborough and Biddeford. We would also like to thank those at MMC, SMMC, Dana Farber and Brigham's and Women's Hospital in Boston. At the end of his life David received care at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine. David was a fiercely independent spirit with a strong will. He fought this illness with courage, hope and determination and every step of his journey was guided by a dedicated, compassionate and professional team of experts who walked with him every step of the way. For that and more we will be eternally grateful. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for a memorial bench being placed at Roger's Pond in David's name. Contributions may be mailed to: Joseph Hallstrom Sr., PO Box 824 Kennebunkport, Maine 04046. A graveside service will take place Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 11:00 am, at New Calvary Cemetery, 1462 Broadway, South Portland. A celebration of David's life will follow at Roger's Pond, 49 Water's Street, Kennebunk at noon where refreshments will be served. Arrangements are by Conroy-Tully-Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland. Online Condolences for David Hallstrom