FREEPORT — Thomas R. Bennett Sr., 60, of Freeport, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family after a short battle with lung cancer on Saturday, Oct., 26, 2013.

He was born July 7, 1953, to Robert and Laura W. Bennett.

Married to his wife, Heidi, for 16 years, they both shared their passion for the outdoors. As an avid hunter and fisherman, Tom took his passion for wildlife to heart, as he was working as the chairman of the Shellfish Committee.

Raised on the water, Tom spent much time growing up, working and camping on Casco Bay.

He was a hard-working clam digger extraordinaire who loved country music, Harley-Davidsons, and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

He is preceded by his father, Robert Bennett and his brother-in-law, Carl Moon.

He is survived by his wife, Heidi; mother, Laura Winslow Bennett; son, Tommy, and his wife Jody, and their two children, Kelsey and Reid; his daughter, Ashleigh, and her husband, Jeff, and teir three children, Taylor, Jayden and Jack; and his son, Christopher, and his daughter, Sierra. He is also survived by siblings Bobby (Bee) Peters and spouse, Steve, Randy Bennett and Laurie Moon, best friend Karl Groves, many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and many other lives he has touched and helped throughout the years, including Danny Mains and Molly Safford.

At Tom’s request, there will not be a funeral. A graveside service will be held at the family’s convenience. A celebration of life will be at his home, 17 Prout Road, Freeport, on Saturday, Nov. 9.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “The Clean Water Fund,” c/o The Freeport Shellfish Committee, 30 Maine St., Freeport, ME 04032.