Donnell H. Lord

Donnell (Don) Hamlin Lord, a lifelong resident and legend of Ogunquit, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, March 22, 2025. He peacefully went to his Heavenly home with family surrounding him.

An icon of Ogunquit, Don who attended Ogunquit Village School and graduated from Wells High School in 1960.

A second-generation mason, starting at a young age under the supervision of his father, Hammy Lord. Many projects showcase his footprint of artistry throughout southern Maine. During his numerous drives with his daughter, he would point out the chimneys he did, the pavers he put down, and the buildings still standing that he and his father did. His first job with his father was in Ogunquit, and his last job was at the same exact location when he finally decided to retire at the age of 80. His son, Bill, is carrying on this trade as well.   Don was known for his strong and dedicated work ethic.

Don loved striper fishing.  One of his favorite spots was off the rocks at Phillips Cove, in Cape Neddick. He was actively involved with Seacoast Sportsman in organizing the yearly fishing derby at Moody Pond. He was a Cape Neddick Country Club member and then at York Golf and Tennis. A fond memory shared was hunting for golf balls across the street from the club with his son and was voted "best ball hunter of Cape Neddick".

Don went to Rangeley every June with folks from Ogunquit. They went on fishing trips, taking a small plane across to their special spot. He always expressed that Rangeley was his "Happy Place." Over the many years, he continued to make the drive up there, sometimes in one day.

Don ran the Milestone Motel in the winter while his father wintered in Florida. He tirelessly but committedly plowed the main roads for years. Don had memories to share with family, and we are so thankful we can pass them along to the next generation.

He began his journey building and restoring old cars in his garage in the early 90’s.  

He took up drag racing in 1989; his final adrenaline rush down the 1/8-mile strip was in 2023.  He raced once or twice that year, but realized he no longer felt comfortable doing it. 

He was exceptionally proud of his purple car.

The 1940 Willys coupe named “It’s just BADTIMING that’s all” was built from the ground up, painted in his favorite color, purple.

He established a strong camaraderie of friends with numerous people from New England Dragway, Winterport Dragway and with the East Coast Gassers. He was known and admired by many people in the drag racing world.

He spent endless hours in his garage.  Many of his racing buddies or locals would stop in and check out his latest project and shoot the breeze. Of course, he would always give his honest opinion on any advice.

Every day, he would make the rounds in his car, driving down to Ogunquit Beach, Perkins Cove, Shore Road, Cape Neddick and York. He was faithful to just "drop in" for a quick visit, never calling beforehand. Shooting the breeze with his buddies. He had a strong desire to stay in touch with his devoted and loyal friends.

Family and friends are left with many of his favorite sayings. M&M's were his "power pellets". A title he made up and now has passed along to others. He named them due to the fact they fueled him while racing at the track.

“Why do things today when you can put them off until tomorrow?” “Cantafford” for Hannaford. “Never read directions unless you have to”.  He was adamant that whenever you had a hat on, you took it off out of respect when you entered a building. Always holding the door for a lady.

He leaves behind his beloved black kitty, Peek-a-Boo. Peek was such a great companion to him.

Predeceased by his mother, Marjorie (Weare) Littlefield and by his father Hamlin Lord. Don was also predeceased by his wife, Patricia Lord.

Survivors are his brother, Weston Lord and his wife Donna of Danforth, ME.  His daughter, Sharon (Lord) Young and her husband Martyn of South Berwick, ME.  His son, William Lord and his wife Adriana of South Berwick, ME.  His stepson, Brett Lord and his wife Terri of Wells, ME.

His nephew, Christopher Lord and his wife Tracey of Rockland, ME.

His niece, Rachel (Lord) Gibson and her husband Benjamin of Homer, AK.

His grandchildren, Analycia (Young) Call and her husband Dilan of Greenland, NH.  Stuart Young and his wife Elise of Warren, ME.  Jenica Lord and Adam Barber of Cape Neddick, ME.   Julia (Lord) Ouellette and her husband Jared of South Berwick, ME.  Joshua Lord and his wife Danielle of Berwick, ME.

His great grandchildren, Willa, Wiley, Brody and Winnie Jo.

He is also survived Geraldine (Brock) Lord, with whom he shared co-parenting and co-grandparenting duties over the last 40 years.  

Although Don’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.

Contributions in Memory of Don can be made to: Another Chance Animal Rescue

PO Box 552, 41 Main Street
North Berwick, ME 03906

Open House in tribute to Don from 2:00 to 5:00.

Celebration of Life will be held on June 1st at the:

 2:10 Center (building next to House of Hope)

25 Sawmill Road

Berwick, ME  03901

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donnell H. Lord, please visit our floral store.