Rufus H. Caswell Jr. of Edgecomb died peacefully on April 19 at his own home where he wanted to be, watching the sparkling water of the Sheepscot River and surrounded by his loving family.

Rufus was born April 5, 1919 in Bath, the son of the late Rufus Sr. and Elizabeth Herbert Caswell.

He attended local grade schools and graduated from Lincoln Academy in 1937. After graduation, he worked at home farming and fishing with his parents. He served in the Army during World War II as a mechanic.

On Feb. 16, 1952, Rufus married Bernice “Bunny,” the love his life. They built their own home and continued to live there for the rest of their lives, looking out to the beautiful Sheepscot River every day and enjoying their family. He worked at Bath Iron Works for a few years. He then became the rural letter carrier for Edgecomb until he retired in 1979. He greatly enjoyed this job, meeting and serving the residents of Edgecomb.

As a child, Rufus, his father and his cousin Bob grew vegetables and other produce, raised chickens and traveled by boat to Squirrel Island to sell these goods to the summering families. As a young adult, he and his father built skiffs and transported them down to Hyannis, Massachusetts, to be sold. Growing up on his family farm, playing with his cousin Bob (who was like a brother), spending time on the river and learning from his father, Rufus Sr., and extended family, all played a major role in his life.

Over the years he was active in the Edgecomb Congregational Church. He enjoyed farming, growing many gardens filled with vegetables, which he always shared with friends and neighbors.

He also enjoyed woodworking and boatbuilding. He finished his last skiff five years ago, building it for his great-grandchildren. In later years, he enjoyed camping and traveling with his wife, Bunny. When he retired in 1979, they took a camping trip across the country on the TransCanada Highway.

Family was always important to Rufus. He loved playing with his granddaughters and watching them grow up. In later years, he delighted in the birth of his three great-grandchildren and spending time with all his family.

Rufus was predeceased by his wife Bunny in 2012.

He is survived by his daughter Gail and her husband Tom; his granddaughters, Jennifer and her husband David, and Abigail and her husband Steven. He is also survived by his three great-grandchildren, Henry, Isabella and River Lily.

A service to celebrate the life of Rufus will be held at the Edgecomb Congregational Church on Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m. The Rev Kate Pinkham will officiate.

Contributions in Rufus’s memory may be made to Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice, 170 Pleasant St., Rockland, ME 04841.

Hall’s of Boothbay has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences, light a candle for Rufus, or to share a story or pictures, visit his Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.