Masardis – Donald "Don" Whipple, 78, passed away May 16, 2022 in Masardis. He was born October 12, 1943, in Masardis, and he was raised in Oxbow by William Whipple Sr. and Madeline (Humphrey) Whipple, along with his brother William "Billy" Whipple Jr.

To help support the family, he began working in the logging industry at the age of 15. He soon realized how hard work afforded the luxury of buying the things you want. A lesson he passed onto his children and grandchildren. He met the love of his life, Joan M. Robinson, through a mutual friend, and it started a love affair that lasted over 56 years. Together they worked hard, made a home, and raised two children, Dawn (Whipple) Roberts of Presque Isle and Robbin Whipple of Ashland.

Instilled in him was a love of the outdoors. He was a Master Registered Maine Guide (as was his dad and brother) and had a hobby for each season. Fishing, hunting, trapping, searching for deer/moose horns, snow sledding, and 4- wheeling. While employed by the Oxbow and Homestead Lodges, he led many successful hunting expeditions for sportsmen from out of state. He took great pride in meeting the hunters and getting to know them. In some cases, he became like part of their family and received pictures of their growing children over the years.

He was employed for 11 years as a supervisor for Hedrick Vending in Presque Isle. He worked as a team with his brother Billy, at Diamond International, as a wood cutter. He then became a Forester for Big Brook Logging until his retirement in 1989.

After his retirement, he was busy every day; he never stopped working until the day he died. Donald was not a man to show outward affection. He showed his love in the many lessons he taught his family along the way. We never doubted how much he loved us and how proud he was of each of us; also we knew right away when he was not, that is why we always try to do our best.

When his tailgate went down and the old Coleman stove fired up, everyone knew he was making his famous fried trout, battered in his "secret coating". We also knew the first cooked was all for his granddaughter Amanda. The rest of us would have to wait in anticipation for the next batch to be cooked.

Donald will be missed everyday by his wife Joan Whipple; their daughter Dawn Roberts her husband Philip, their daughter Katie Putnam her husband Kord and daughter Khloe; his son Rob Whipple, wife Pam, their children Hunter, Blake, Amanda, and her boyfriend Otis; Donald's brother William Whipple wife Joyce; sister in- law, Hallie McKee; close cousin Ruthene Coty and their families; and many close friends, neighbors, and "sports."

The Whipple family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to the Maine Warden Service, especially Captain Tom Ward, for conducting their diligent search.

By Donald's request there will be no funeral. A graveside service will be conducted on Sunday, June 5,2022 at 2:30pm at the Masardis Municipal Cemetery, Route 11, Masardis, with Reverend Donnie Morton officiating. To share condolences online, please visit www.LajoieFuneralHome.com