David Whitney Small, 72, of Old Town, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, at the Maine Veterans' Home in Bangor, following a courageous battle with ALS. He was born on March 6, 1953, in Bangor, the son of Harlan and Elaine Small. He married his best friend, Deborah, on October 13, 1973, and they made their home in Old Town. David graduated from Bangor High School in 1971. Following graduation, he briefly ventured west to attend Rocky Mountain College in Montana. Though his time there was short, he found that home and Deborah were calling him back. However, the experience left its mark. He fell in love with the vastness of the landscape, the open skies, and the quiet strength of the mountains, a beauty that stayed with him for the rest of his life. During the Vietnam era, David received draft number one. Rather than wait to be called, he chose to enlist in the United States Navy, a decision that reflected his deep sense of duty and steady character. When the draft was ultimately called off, his commitment remained. He faithfully served from 1973 to 1978. Long before his years of naval service, David's heart already belonged to the water. As a young adult, he would rise before dawn to scuba dive along the Maine coast. On some mornings, he returned home with fresh lobsters, which he and his father would cook and enjoy for breakfast, which proved to be a simple ritual that reflected his love of the ocean. When he and his beloved wife were dating, the ocean became part of their story as well. They would make their way to the coast together, sometimes sharing a picnic on the rocky shoreline. Other times, she would sit on the rocks above the surf, content to feel the salt air and watch while he ventured into the depths he loved so much below the waters at Big Hunters Beach, one of his favorite spots. She cherished the sound of the surf and the steady rhythm of the tide, while he cherished the quiet world below it. The sea was not only his sanctuary, but a place where their love quietly took root and grew. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Maine in 1978. He began his career with Daigle Oil Company in Fort Kent before returning home to Bangor, where he dedicated many years of his professional life to the Bangor Daily News from 1986 until his self-retirement in 2004. He was proud of the work he did there and of the relationships he built along the way. David was a man of stories, and he shared them with anyone who would listen. He shared tales of youthful misadventures and improbable circumstances from the time he spent with his special childhood friends on Crestmont Road. He had a rare gift for connection. He could meet a stranger, find a shared thread of interest, tell a story from his own life, and walk away having made a new friend. His stories were told with a twinkle in his eye which became part of the rich tapestry of his storytelling that so many came to cherish. He was a great listener, genuinely curious about others, and deeply engaged in conversation. How unbelievably blessed we were to have loved David. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, son, and friend. He lived his very best life through the lens of his camera, capturing some of the most exquisite and captivating moments gifted by the natural world. His love of photography began at seven years old with his first box camera and evolved into a lifelong passion. Over time, he mastered his digital Cannon camera, later pairing it with his cherished telephoto lens. His tagline, "Photos by Chance," reflected his remarkable knack for being in the right place at exactly the right time. Whether hiking the trails of Acadia National Park, exploring the rugged stretches of Stud Mill Road, or standing in sub-freezing winds at a quiet Maine harbor, David patiently waited for nature to reveal itself. He poured thousands upon thousands of hours into his art. His photographs were shared widely for conservation and educational purposes and appeared in publications and materials produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Bangor Daily News, The New Yorker and many others. He was most proud that his images were used not for profit, but to educate and inspire stewardship of the wild places he loved. David was deeply committed to conservation and advocacy. He supported the Natural Resources Council of Maine and Maine Audubon. He volunteered at Sunkhaze Refuge and as a patient advocate with Population Health. He served on the board of Population Health for many years as a strong and compassionate voice for patients. He was immensely proud of this work, believing that everyone deserved to be heard and respected. An avid outdoorsman, David found joy in hiking, fishing, canoeing, hunting, gardening, cooking, and reading. If there was water nearby, river, lake, or ocean, he was drawn to it. If there was a trail to be walked, he was ready. And if there was a story to be told, he would tell it. David is survived by his wife of 52 years, Deborah; his son, Harlan and his daughter-in-law, Jessica Joy, of Winterport, and his beloved granddaughter, Meledore, with whom he shared a special bond filled with funny jokes, playful antics, and laughter all their own; and his daughter, Jessica and his daughter-in-law, Perri, of Dixmont, along with their beloved dog, HazelNut, his devoted grand-pet, who visited him often. He is also survived by his sister, Dawnie Lay of Bangor; his sister, Debra Samuelian and her husband, David, of Bangor; and his brother, Norman Small of Bangor. David married into a large family and had the pleasure of being welcomed and loved by his sister-in-law, Theresa Reynolds of Old Town; his sister-in-law, Barbara Ouellette of Old Town; and many nieces and nephews who brought so much warmth into his life. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Northern Light Homecare and Hospice for their extraordinary support. A special thank you to David Gardner, whose calming presence and beautiful hymns brought comfort during difficult days. The deepest appreciation is extended to the staff at the Maine Veterans' Home in Bangor, whose compassionate and exceptional care, especially in his final days, went above and beyond. To the many caregivers who comforted and loved him so tenderly, you know who you are, our family will never be able to repay the kindness you showed him and the peace he had during his final moments. David leaves behind a legacy of stories, stewardship, and stunning images of the wild places he cherished. His life reminds us to look closely, listen deeply, and never miss the beauty waiting quietly before us. In keeping with David's deep commitment to protecting Maine's wild places, memorial contributions may be made to the Natural Resources Council of Maine or Maine Audubon. Friends and family will gather 6-8PM Friday March 13, 2026 at Birmingham Funeral Home 438 Main Street Old Town. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10AM Saturday March 14, 2026 at Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Holy Family Church 429 Main St Old Town. Immediately following the funeral mass, all are invited to the Parish Hall for a light luncheon and continued fellowship. Spring burial, with military honors, will be conducted at St. Joseph Cemetery, Old Town.