Arthur E. Doyle Sr.

Phippsburg – Arthur E. Doyle Sr, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the age of 99 at the Hill House in Bath.

      He was a lifetime resident of West Point and would remark how peaceful it was to hear the sound of the buoy bells while lying in bed at night, drifting off to sleep.  Lovingly known as the “Mayor of the Point” because he knew and was known by everyone, he always offered a friendly hello on his daily walks and never met a stranger. He was an excellent listener and a great hugger.  His grandchildren all agree that he was the best Grampy you could have asked for. He will be missed by all who knew him.

     Arthur was born on June 7, 1926, on Long Island, Maine, the son of John Doyle and Eleanor (née Smith) Doyle, later Wallace.  He married Marita Wallace on June 19, 1945, and they celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary this year-a remarkable achievement by any measure.  He worked for many years at The Freezer in Sebasco before starting his 35-year career with the Bath Water District.  He loved being on the water, and after a day spent at the district he could be seen in his skiff and oilskin apron tending to his lobster traps.

     Arthur loved helping people, especially family. Skilled with a hammer and quick with humor – often joking “Looks good from my house!”- he built or renovated many homes for family members.  The only payment he would ever accept was a hearty, and well-earned lunch which would often elicit how he loved to, “Get a mug up.”

     You would be hard pressed to find someone as good-natured as Arthur.  Nothing ever seemed to bother him.  He loved his family dearly, and we him.  He also loved a well-set table and would gratefully exclaim about whatever was put in from of him, “Well, this looks good enough to eat!” And at the end of a meal with a smile he would proclaim, “You know I was hungry when I sat down, but I’m not the least bit now!”

     Among his talents was playing guitar and singing.  Many recordings of him exist on reel-to-reel tape from the 1950’s and 60’s, rehearsing with family and friends in preparation for variety shows held at Sebasco Harbor Resort.  In his retirement he enjoyed spending time helping to build the locally famous West Pointer-style skiff with a local boat builder who also mentored him in hand carving duck decoys.

     He is predeceased by his son Dean Doyle Sr. (March 14, 2025), his daughter Sharon M. Doyle (December 2, 2022), his brother Lafayette Wallace Jr, and his sister Thelma Coffin.

     He is survived by his wife, Marita Doyle; his sons, Arthur Doyle Jr and his wife Carol of Bowdoinham, and Wayne Doyle and his wife Karen of Phippsburg; his brother, Louton Wallace and his wife Beverly of Bath; nine grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

     The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at the Plant Home and the Hill House for the compassionate care during Arthur’s final days.

     A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Burial will be at Morningside Cemetery in Phippsburg.  Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High Street, Bath.  Condolences may be made online at www.DaigleFuneralHome.com.