David W. Millett was born December 4, 1951, to Gordon and Mary Millett, in the small town of Norway in the western foothills of the state of Maine. The eldest son of nine siblings, he enjoyed being around people and had a great sense of humor. David lived his entire life within a mile of where he was born. In February 1971, his family lost their home to fire, prompting him to join the Norway Fire Department as a volunteer, leading to a lifetime commitment to the department and the town of Norway.

David attended the local schools, playing with his brothers on recreational baseball teams coached by his father, and was a Boy Scout. In high school he was very active in sports, managing the school baseball team and playing varsity football all four years of high school. He was an active member of his high school reunion committee for decades.

Nicknamed “Bear” by a close friend, David was well known and liked in the community. Serving in the fire department, he became captain of Engine 2 and most recently took on the role of safety officer. He was a past president of the Tuesday Night and Thursday Night Men’s Leagues at the Oxford Hills Bowling Lanes, was secretary/treasurer of the Oxford Hills Men’s Softball League, and was instrumental in the installation of lights at the fairgrounds field. He was involved in a recreational basketball team, was active in the Oxford Hills Athletic Boosters, served on the town budget committee, and was treasurer of the Norway Firemen’s Relief Association. David also headed up the operation of the Norway Firemen’s Cook Shack at the annual Oxford County Fair for more than 20 years.

In 1991, David fulfilled a lifelong dream with his wife, Irene, by purchasing a small business. They owned and managed the popular Millett’s Variety, a small mom-and-pop store in Norway, Maine, for 14 years. The store was open 365 days a year, his motto being “We are here for the convenience of our customers.”

David was dedicated to his immediate family. He was married to his wife, Irene, for 42 years, raising two daughters, Lynette and Donna, who also assisted him in the managing of Millett’s Variety, and was very proud of his grandson, Marcus. He was well-liked for his always present smile, kindness to others, and sense of humor.