Portland, Maine-Chester A Dykeman, 60 years old.
Chet (Skip) Dykeman passed away on April 14th at Hospice of Southern Maine after a year-long battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his mother, Hilda Susan Lester Shaw Dykeman; his father, Chester Dykeman; his brother, Frederick Dykeman; his daughter, Hannah L. Dykeman; and his long-time partner, Anne Kirby.
Chet was a 19-year Army Veteran who served above and beyond for his country. He was also a dear and trusted friend to innumerable people. Chet was the kind of person who made everyone feel like his own special confidante. He took care of those he loved whenever he had the resources. And if he didn't have the resources, he would find a way to make it happen. If you were in a bind, you called Chet. He is described by many people as "someone I would trust my life with."
Before his illness, he worked at Maine Hardware in Portland for several years. He enjoyed his job immensely and was distressed he could not continue. However, he made many close friends among his coworkers and faithful customers. It was an extremely gratifying occupation and a happy time in his life.
Everyone knew Chet as an amazingly loving father who adored his children. His boys were the most important people in his life. He is survived by his two adult sons, Benjamin (24) and Samuel (19), both of Portland, Maine. He spent many fun hours with them in the weeks before he passed away. His children meant everything to him. And they are wonderful humans and a testament to Chet's loving and compassionate nature.
He is also survived by his beautiful niece, Allison Fernstrom-Certoma (37) of Knightdale, NC, whom he raised for the first few years of her life. Chet was the impetus for Ally's exemplary military career and that of many other young people, many of whom still serve our country to this day.
Over the past months and weeks, Chet was cared for tirelessly and unselfishly by a multitude of his loved ones. And for his last few days, he was surrounded by many of his closest family and friends in hospice. The family is grateful to Bob Gradl, Anastasia Ellen Hawes-Watson, Margie Hawes Morrison, Keith Morrison, Jeanette Fernstrom, and so many more, who made his passing a time of comfort and peace.
We are grateful to the compassionate practitioners from the Maine Cancer Center, Gosnell Memorial House, and Maine Health at Home. We also thank Chrissy McAvoy (PT Practitioner) and Alcian Warner (OT Practitioner) for helping us attend to Chet’s needs. All of these incredible people gave him the most gentle care in his last days and hours, nursing him in the most tender way possible.
A celebration of Chet's life will be held on Monday May 15 at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel, 498 Long Plains Road (Rt. 22) in Buxton. Visitation will begin at 10 AM and the service will start at 11 AM. All who wish to honor Chet's memory are welcome to attend all or part of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the following organizations that were important to Chet:
American SIDS Institute: 528 Raven Way, Naples, FL 34110
Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland: P.O. Box 336 Westbrook, ME 04098
Hospice of Southern Maine: 390 US Rte One, Scarborough, ME 04074
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com
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