January 3, 2013 Oakland: Brian T. Danforth 49, died Thursday January 3, 2013 at his Oakland home following a long heart related illness. Brian was the born in Waterville on May 23, 1963, the son of the late Calvin Danforth and Jackie Ripley of Rockland. Brian attended Oakland schools and All United Professional Security Academy in Holly Hill, Florida. Brian worked at Thomas College and Colby College in Waterville as an officer. He was employed by Toby Nason Detective and Security for over 10 years, both as an officer and a private investigator. He was a security officer in both Holly Hill and Daytona Beach Florida. In the early to mid 1980's he was a Call Firefighter with the Waterville Fire Department, serving on Engine #3 then on ladder #1. In the early 1990's he was co-owner/operator of Strictly Pets and Strictly Birds in Waterville. He also was owner/operator of Brothers Cab in Waterville. In the early 1980's he was past vice president of the Kennebec Valley Jaycees, then located in Waterville. He was also past president of Mid Maine REACT, a team monitoring emergency frequency 9 for local police and fire distress calls. Brian was involved with his sons in scouting with Waterville s Pack 434, serving as Den Leader and Assistant 434 Pack Master. Brian was a former member of the Holly Hill Florida American Legion, a past member of the Decker-Simmons Post American Legion in Oakland, where he served 1 term as Vice Commander 2003/2004 and 3 terms as Commander 2005/2008. Brian was also a current member of the Sons of the American Legion Detachment of Maine, serving 1 term as Child Welfare Chairman 2007/2008, District 9 Commander covering all of Kennebec County 2006/2007, Past 2nd Vice Commander 2007/2008, 1st Vice Commander 2008/2010, Finance Committee 2008/2010, State Commander for 2 terms 2010/1011 and 2011/2012. A current member of the Fairfield American Legion, joining in 2009. Brian enjoyed cooking for family, friends, and functions, loved fishing, hunting, karaoke, and pulling stunts and jokes. He raced at Unity Raceway in the 1990's and loved attending races with the love of his life Robin. Brian s biggest disappointment was losing his dad in 2000. Besides his father, he was predeceased by a brother, Michael. Surviving is his mom, the love of his life, Robin and by 3 sons, Brenden Danforth of Belgrade, Nathen Danforth of Tucson, Az., and Matthew Danforth stationed with the US Navy in Virginia, a granddaughter Mackenzie Danforth of Arizona, 6 sisters, several aunts, uncles cousins, and his American Legion family in both Oakland and Fairfield, and by the Detachment of Maine and the Department of Maine. Brian was a committed advocate to Maine s homeless Veterans. His characteristics of altruism and compassion were well known by the homeless Veterans Networking Group, and more importantly by the homeless Veterans he worked so hard to support. His never ending passion for helping others was an inspiration to all that knew him. In 2012 Maine was honored as he was chosen to receive the national Unsung Hero Award by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, Washington DC. His energy and determination will never be forgotten. A funeral service to include Sons of American Legion Detachment Everlasting will be 6:00 PM on Wednesday January 9 at the Decker-Simmons Post American Legion Church St. Oakland. A gathering of friends with a celebration of Brian s life will follow the service. Casual attire requested. Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Oakland. Www.wheelerfh.com In lieu of flowers donations may be made to VA Maine Homeless Veterans Program, 1 VA Center MDP135, Augusta, ME. 04330