Donald Roy Sigler of Bristol died with family by his side on November 23, 2015 after a long illness. 

He was born on January 5, 1934 in Hagerstown, Maryland to Charles and Pearl (Durkin) Sigler. He attended schools in that area. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, with time on the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Leyte. 

When he returned home, he married Eunice (Gamage) Sigler of South Bristol on January 29, 1956. At that time, Don began working at Gamage Shipyards for his father-in-law, Harvey Gamage, where he took pride in crafting some of the finest ships in the world. Wooden ships were his specialty, as he used hand tools to create the intricate woodwork that this type of specialized shipbuilding required. Some of his work is featured on the Clearwater, the Appledore, the Mary Day, the Hero, and the Harvey Gamage, many of which are still in service. Don also worked at Sample’s Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor, performing restoration work on luxury and commercial boats. Don also assisted his boys in the operation of a drilling and blasting business.  

In the midst of his other endeavors, Don and Eunice worked a family farm, raising Black Angus cattle for beef, and also operating a custom slaughtering business. At the end of a long day he often sat outside with Eunice and his black Lab, Toby overlooking the farm. Cattle, horses and even a donkey roamed the fields until the farm ceased operation this fall.

On the rare occasion that he left the farm, Don enjoyed taking driving trips with Eunice, stopping at Hoover Dam and touring Yellowstone National Park. They enjoyed the Smoky Mountains and visiting family in Maryland. While he reduced his long-distance travel in later years, Don made up for it with trips around town in his blue Dodge truck, and he could be seen driving around the farm and down Route 130 on his John Deere Gator.

Don is survived by his wife, Eunice, of Bristol; his children and their spouses, Yvonne and Paul Pfeiffer of Virginia, Charles and Belinda Sigler of Florida, Clay and Becky Sigler, Clell and Sherry Sigler, and Yvette and Craig Woodman, all of Bristol; his sisters, Mary (Peachy) Smith, June Jamison and Wanda Winters of Maryland; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Don was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, Howard Sigler, Ralph Sigler, and Layton Sigler; and three sisters, Ruth Litten, Betty Daley, and Helen Smith.

Funeral arrangements are private and at the convenience of family. A celebration of Don’s life will be held in the spring of 2016, with details to follow. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Don’s name to the American Cancer Society.

Hall’s of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences, light a candle in Don’s memory, or to share a story or picture, please visit his Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com