NEW VINEYARD — Donald E. Short, Jr., 51, of New Vineyard, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on Sat. Nov. 1, 2008.

He was born April 1, 1957, in San Diego, Calif., the oldest child of Donald E. and Delores Short. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He raised his family in Cherokee, Iowa and in 2001 moved to Maine to be with the love of his life, Dina Goodwin. They married on Oct. 10, 2004.

At the time of his passing, he was employed as an Administrative Assistant at the University of Maine, Farmington.

Donald enjoyed spending time with his two dogs, Molly and Buddy and tending his gardens. He also enjoyed camping, fishing and playing games with his Maine family and friends.

He will be sadly missed and is survived by his wife, Dina of New Vineyard; three children, Donny Short of Sioux City, Iowa, Dylan Short of Wymore, Neb. and Mallory Short of Cherokee, Iowa; two granddaughters, Riley and Brooklynn; two step-daughters, Heather Hellgren of W. Farmington and Jana Kiernan of Temple; his mother, Delores of Cherokee, Iowa; three sisters, Dianna Jackson of Tacoma, Wash.; Denise Freeman and her husband, Jay, of Cabot, Ark. and Delia Short of Cabot, Ark.; and a brother, Darrel Short of Cherokee, Iowa.

He was predeceased by his father, Donald Short Sr.

At the request of his family, services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, gifts of remembrance may be made to the Classified Employees Scholarship Fund at the University of Maine, Farmington ATT.: Human Resources 224 Main St. Farmington, Maine 04938.

Condolences may be sent via e-mail to his family at info@wilesrc.com.