NEW GLOUCESTER — Daryl David Gushee, 54, of New Gloucester, passed away suddenly Friday, Dec, 29, at his shop on Route 100 in New Gloucester. He was born in Portland on Friday, Aug. 2, 1963, to David Allen Gushee and Beverly Ann Upham Gushee. Daryl resided with his parents in South Portland and Gorham, then settled in New Gloucester in August 1984.
Daryl graduated from Gorham High School in June 1981 and Andover Tractor-Trailer School in November 1981.
Daryl, along with Sandra Lee Hanscom, established Daryl D. Gushee Inc., in March 1983 at age 19. Daryl and Sandy married on April 21, 1984. On May 26, 1996, they welcomed their son, Jack Stephen, into their lives.
As a young boy, Daryl and his father raised prized shorthorn beef cattle at the farm they called Limited Edition Farm in Gorham. Daryl was a member of the local 4-H Baby Beef Clubs and went on to travel the Maine summer fair circuit every year from age 11 until he was 17. Daryl continued raising beef cattle in New Gloucester until 1996.
Daryl was an avid Harley-Davidson motorcycle rider. He enjoyed attending many biker events all over the country. Daryl’s favorite ride was his 1951 FL Panhead.
Daryl’s greatest accomplishment was his Rigging & Heavy Hauling Company. Daryl excelled in his field as a rigger and heavy haul driver due to his extensive knowledge, strong work ethic and fierce desire to be the best. Daryl Gushee was doing exactly what he should have been doing. He started each new day eager and happy to go to work. After 35 years he still loved what he did.
Daryl was an avid and enthusiastic antique collector. His passion for old trucks, tractors, construction equipment, snowmobiles, automobilia, rusty iron and whatever else he discovered had to be dragged home. The first old truck, a 1957 B-422 Mack, arrived on the scene in April 1997 and from that moment on Daryl had caught collection fever. Daryl was a member of the local ATHS Pine Tree Chapter and a lifetime member of the American Truck Historical Society. He was also a member of the Historic Construction Equipment Association, United Bikers of Maine and the Manufacturers Association of Maine.
Daryl was predeceased in life by his mother, Beverly Gushee, in 2004. Daryl is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Sandra Gushee, and son, Jack Gushee, both of New Gloucester; his father, David Gushee, and partner, Pamela Leone, of Freeport; his brothers, Vaughn Gushee and wife, Kelly, of Old Orchard Beach, Duane Gushee and wife, Dina, of Norridgewock, Chris Gushee and wife, Gomathi, of Marietta, Ga.; his nephews, Grant Gushee and wife, Jessica and David Gushee; nieces, Jessica Cieslak and husband, Aaron and Mira Gushee; two great-nephews and a great-niece. Daryl leaves behind his crew, Jeffrey Edwards, Michael Sasseville, John Rock, Daniel Burnham and Travis Toothaker.
Daryl D. Gushee
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