Douglas was the third of five sons born to Bernard and Theresa Gaines, Sr. on Aug. 21, 1951 at the Trull Hospital in Biddeford. He was educated in Saco schools and attended Thornton Academy, Class of 1970.
Following high school, Doug directly entered the work force in the construction field and was employed by R.H. Brown, Inc., Kennebunk-Wells Water District, Claude DuBois Excavating and had a 30-year career with the City of Saco Public Works Department as a heavy equipment operator. He became very skilled in the operation of large equipment.
Doug loved to work and spent many hours with his brother Bernie retrofitting apartments and commercial spaces. He was a capable man and could fix almost anything that was broken or didn’t work. His family will deeply miss him.
He revered his grandchildren and would talk about them constantly. He looked forward to birthdays and holidays when he could get together with them and enjoy their company. He was proud of his children and their accomplishments in life.
Doug was predeceased by his parents, his twin brother Dennis and a daughter Amy. Surviving are his brothers Bernard and his wife Susan of Saco, David of Saco and Bruce of Derbyshire, England; a daughter Laura and her husband Paul Flaherty; a son Douglas and his wife Morgan; grandchildren Jessica Dunton, Shayna Dunton, Grayson Gaines, Dyllan Gaines and Daphne Gaines; great-grandchildren Gracie Dunton and Lucianna Dunton, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call at Dennett Craig and Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main Street, Saco on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 from 4 to 6 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 at 1 p.m. followed by interment at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Beach Street, Saco where he will be laid to rest beside his twin brother Dennis.
The family would like to thank Crystal Smith RN of SMHC Special Care Unit, as well as the various physicians who provided excellent care and comfort during his final days and request memorial donations be made in Doug’s honor to Southern Maine Health Care, One Medical Center Drive, Biddeford, Maine 04005.
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