FORT KENT--- Philip Dumond passed away on September 18, 2026, nine days before his 95th birthday. Among his peers, he will be remembered as a legend for his dedication to the Maine Warden Service.

Born September 27, 1931, Philip was the son of the late George and Emma (Austin) Dumond. He grew up with his nine siblings on the family farm in Fort Kent and graduated from Fort Kent Community High School.

Philip enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1950 and served for four years as an aircraft mechanic. He was stationed at Sheppard, Fairchild, Chanute and Loring Air Force Bases and completed a tour of duty in Japan.

After his honorable discharge, Philip attended the University of Maine for a semester, but his heart was not in it. He pursued a lifetime opportunity to become a Maine State Game Warden. His first assignment was in Bar Harbor, and he was soon transferred closer to home, to the Allagash district.

In the winter of 1957, the Warden Service needed a French-speaking warden along the Maine–Canadian border. Philip accepted the assignment to the remote Estcourt Station district, where he covered 720 square miles without road access or radio communication. He made the district his home for more than 38 years.

Throughout his career, Philip faced danger while protecting wildlife and helping others. He rescued people from near drowning, searched for lost hunters and assisted those in need, often with little thought for his own safety. He received many letters of appreciation for his bravery and kindness.

Philip was named Warden of the Year in 1976 and received the Driver Safety Award in 1987 for driving more than 750,000 miles without a preventable vehicle accident, the Canadian Government’s Loyal Service Award and the Warden Service Commitment Award for 38 years of service. He was also honored with the State of Maine Legendary Game Warden Award. As a seasoned veteran, he regularly helped train new wardens.

Philip was a lifelong member of American Legion Post 133 and a member of the Ham Radio Club, where he used his skills to help in difficult situations. Featured in newspapers, magazines and on television, he remained the generous, humble game warden who had made his home in one of Maine’s most remote places.

One may say Philip Dumond is the Henry David Thoreau of the Warden Service, bearing witness to the greatest orchestras known to the human ear, and gazing at the beautiful paintings known to the human eye, all created by the composer and artist known as “Mother Nature."

Along with his parents, Philip was predeceased by his four sisters, Rowena Breau, Laurette Babkirk, Dolores Levecque and Joan Palmer; and his five brothers, Dana, Finland, Lloyd, Roland and Claude Dumond.

Philip had no children of his own, but he shared a father-like bond with his many nieces and nephews. His family extends its deepest gratitude to the staff of Crosswinds Residential Care Facility for the exceptional care they gave their uncle over the years.

A Mass of Christian Burial, with full military honors, will be celebrated at 10am on September 24, 2026, at St. Louis Church in Fort Kent, Maine. Relatives and friends may greet Philip’s family Thursday morning 8:30 – 9:30 AM at Lajoie-Daigle Funeral Home, Fort Kent. Interment will follow at the family lot in Holy Family Cemetery in New Canada, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Philip’s memory to the Crosswinds Residential Care Activity Fund, 40 Village Road, Fort Kent, ME 04743, or to a charity of their choice.