BATH — Bradford Potter Belanger Jr., a man with a loving and compassionate heart, a wicked sense of humor, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on August 21st, 2016 after a brave battle with kidney cancer. Often described as “the salt of the earth”, Brad was well known for his uncompromising integrity, dignity, and grace. He was born on September 26, 1933 in Bath, Maine and was the middle child to Bradford Sr. and Dorothy (Frank) Belanger. He attended Bath schools and graduated from Morse High School in 1952. He spent his whole life living in Bath, the city he loved. In his early years, he enjoyed spending time on the boat lobstering with his father out of Brigham’s Cove and hunting and being outside with his best friends. For 37 years he worked as an assistant foreman in welding at Bath Iron Works. After retirement, he spent 13 years working at L.L. Bean where he loved to proclaim as he was walking out the door “Well, I’ve got to go straighten out Beans!” He also spent time during retirement doing some work with his friend and adopted son Tim Daigle at the funeral home.

In 1977 he met the love of his life, his princess, Rebecca on a blind date and they were married shortly after. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years: his three adoring children, Lisa Yorke and her husband Michael, Hillary Belanger Ware and her husband Scott, and Matthew Belanger: his loving sister Annette and her husband Bruce, and his brother-in-law Aubrey: 7 grandchildren: Laura, Megan, Rachel, Eben, Griffin, Brandon, and Myles Bradford: and 3 great-grandchildren, Emmy, Landon, and the newest bundle arriving in December. He was predeceased by his parents, and his beloved sister Dottie.

He spent many mornings playing cards and shooting the breeze in one of his favorite places, the Elks Club. He doted on his two dogs Honey-Bear and Winston and spoiled his wife by cooking her gourmet food and surprising her whenever he could. When he wasn’t reading the newest Clancy novel, he delighted in learning as much about World War 2 as he could, a self-proclaimed history buff. He was fiercely proud of his children and not many a day went by where he didn’t let them know that. We like to think that he is gallivanting around heaven with his parents, his sister, and many of his hunting buddies, as well as his dog Chester. Sipping some vodka, laughing that infectious laugh, telling a favorite story or sharing a saucy joke, and watching over us all, pain-free and enjoying his legacy. He was madly loved and will be forever missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday August 28 at 11:00 at the Bath Elks Lodge at 9 Lambard Street. All are welcome to come and celebrate Brad and share favorite stories and memories.

The family would like to thank all of the wonderful caregivers who helped Brad fight this battle, including the staff at Dana Farber, Brigham and Womens, Mercy Hospital, Midcoast Hospital, Dr. Toni Choueiri, Dr. Grame Steele, and Dr. Timothy Howe.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to : Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Kidney Cancer Center C/O Toni Choueiri, 450 Brookline Ave DA 1230, Boston Massachusetts, 02215- 5450.

Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High Street, Bath. Condolences may be made online at www.daiglefuneralhome.com.