Dana Rice Sr., a longtime selectman for the town of Gouldsboro who also worked as a fish dealer and was active in fishery management issues, died on Wednesday.
Rice had experienced declining health in recent weeks, according to local officials. He was 78 years old.
The town said on Facebook that Rice had been a selectman since 1996 — he is currently listed as the chair of the board — and also was the town’s harbor master for more than 40 years.
“His tireless dedication enriched our community in countless ways,” town officials said. “His spirit and leadership will forever remain in our hearts.”
Rice retired as harbor master for Gouldsboro, which has six separate harbors, in 2022, according to the Ellsworth American.
That same year, the town dedicated its annual town report to Rice, saying he had made a “huge impact” on the community.
He grew up in Gouldsboro and followed his grandfather into the fishing industry, according to the dedication. He also became a sardine fisherman, selling his catch to the now defunct Stinson Seafood cannery in the local village of Prospect Harbor, and got involved in fisheries management, serving in an advisory role to the New England Fisheries Management Council and University of Maine’s Lobster Institute.
“You may know him as the select board chair, former harbormaster, lobster dealer and seller, bait seller, and much more,” town officials wrote in the report. “He is the ‘jack of all trades.’ We thank you and appreciate all the years of commitment and dedication you have given to all and the town of Gouldsboro.”
