ROCKLAND — Alan S. Counce, 71, died peacefully at home, with his loving family at his side, Friday, November 10, 2023, after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma cancer.

Born in Camden, March 10, 1952, he was the son of Oliver and Ethel Reynolds Counce. Educated locally, Alan was a graduate of Camden Rockport High School. Following high school he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served in Vietnam. Upon returning home, Alan reunited with a life-long friend and classmate, Nancy Stanley. The pair were married on May 30, 1976 and have made their home in Rockland ever since.

Alan began his civilian career working at BIW. For over 28 years he served as a marine designer at the yard. After retiring from BIW he worked for Maine Health at the Knox facility.

Alan was a talented artist and craftsman and enjoyed sharing his artistic skills with students teaching Art and woodcarving night classes at Rockland District High School and the MidCoast School of Technology. A talented artist and craftsman, he, Nancy, and his sons enjoyed traveling to art shows and selling his work at the Lobster Festival. Many of his carvings, signs, and artwork still adorn businesses in the Midcoast as well as across the State.

When not busy working, Alan loved nothing more than being on the water and fishing off his boat with his sons. Whether fresh water or salt water, he loved casting a line and bringing in fish. When his sons were young, Alan was an active part of their sporting activities, following them to every game he could and often helping coach their teams. Family camping trips were also favorite memories.

He had a special place in his heart for animals, especially his cat ‘Lilly’ who has stayed by his side throughout his illness and was with him until the very end.

More recently Alan could be found tinkering in his shop, working on any one of the projects he had going. Sitting in his shop with a good cigar and a good cup of coffee, reminiscing about his time in the service, or sharing his knowledge of history and family genealogy, were some of his favorite pastimes.

Above all, Alan was a family man. He always put others before himself and could always be counted as one of the most reliable sources of help. His generous spirit and loving nature will be sadly missed by all who knew
him.

Predeceased by his parents, Alan is survived by his wife, Nancy of Rockland; his sons, Adrian Counce, Ryan Counce and his wife Jaclyn all of Rockland; one granddaughter, Patience Counce; his sister-in-law, Helen Bickford; his niece, Brandie Bickford and her son Coben; and a nephew, Skip Bickford.

Family and friends are invited to visit Friday, December 1, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

Donations may be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society in Thomaston Maine.

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