SANFORD — Ernest A. Mathieu, 63, of Acton, died in Sanford on Tuesday, May 13, 2014.

Ernest was born on Oct. 24, 1950 to Robert and Isabelle (Living-stone) Mathieu in Sanford, where he grew up and attended local schools, graduating from Sanford High School in 1969.

He was employed for 20 years as a machinist at Pratt and Whitney until his retirement in 2000.

Ernest was a horse enthusiast and enjoyed driving and training horses. He was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed cutting wood, hunting and fishing. He was also a very handy person and enjoyed tinkering with small engines. Spending time with family and attending family gatherings was something to which Ernest always looked forward. He was also an animal lover and enjoyed watching sports. Ernest will be remembered as a loving and devoted father, grandfather and brother, and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Surviving are: two children, Ernest Mathieu Jr. and his wife Julia of Acton, and Joanne Murray of Sanford; two stepchildren, Kimberly M. Stanley and her husband Scott Harland Stanley of Sanford and John David Murray and his wife Denise Lynn Murray of Sanford; a sister, Susan Mathieu of Wakefield, N.H.; five grandchildren, Cameron Alan Mathieu, Jacob Liston, Zachary Bickford, Jesse Robert Burley and Ryan David Murray; several great-grandchildren; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and his beloved pets.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Acton Congregational Church in Acton, with the Rev. Abbylynn Haskell officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com.