BIDDEFORD — David Cary Ramsdell, 73, a resident of Wildbrook Drive and former longtime owner of the Belle-Mere Motel in Old Orchard Beach, died Friday, March 28, 2014 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, with his loving family at his side, following a lengthy illness.

David was born Oct. 12, 1940 in Lubec, the son of Karl and Gretchen S. Harmon Ramsdell, and is a graduate of Lubec schools.

Upon graduating, he began working in local shipyards there, then moved to the Paul Lukes shipyard in Boothbay Harbor.

In 1962, he enlisted in the Merchant Marines, and as a young man, sailed the world over until 1967.

Meeting his future wife while in Connecticut, he returned to dry land, working for a General Motors manufacturing plant there.

Having traveled extensively, David wanted nothing more than to settle down and help raise his young family, so they bought the Belle-Mere Motel in Old Orchard Beach, which they operated as a family until 2003.

There was nothing better than playing outside with his kids, especially if it included a toy with a motor that he found at Reynolds Motor Sports.

David was preceded in death by: his parents; and a brother, Richard Ramsdell.

Survivors include: his wife of 47 years, Joan Michaud Ramsdell of Biddeford; a son, Karl C. Ramsdell of Old Orchard Beach; a daughter, Tammy Martin and her husband Gary of Kennebunkport; a grandson, Adam Rollins of Kennebunkport; a sister, Katherine Cleaves and her husband Herbert of Whiting; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at the Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St. in Kennebunk. A celebration of David’s life will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Bibber Memorial Chapel, followed by interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Biddeford. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel in Kennebunk. www.bibberfuneral.com.