Obituary of Alden Franklin Trull

Alden Franklin Trull Jr., 67, of Belfast passed away Christmas morning, 27 years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He was born Sept. 2, 1947 in New Bedford, MA to the late Alden Franklin and Rita Everett Trull. He grew up in a wonderful home his parents built together on Doane St. in Fairhaven. He was joined 9 years later by his brother David, although they were years apart in age they connected over their shared love of the outdoors. Alden graduated from Fairhaven High School; Class of 1965 then attended Northeastern University in Boston, MA, receiving BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering, something he wouldn't use until much later in life. He taught several classes at Northeastern after graduation and met his first wife, Blythe Camenson in 1973. They were married the following year and lived together in Newtonville enjoying their dogs and gardening together. They divorced in 1977, but maintained a connection up until his death. He met his second wife, the late Sylvia Barney in 1977; they married in 1978 and moved north to Maine. He worked as a carpenter, and then as a boat builder at boatyards from Camden to Boothbay. They lived in several places in Montville, where they had an active circle of friends, mostly fellow “transplants" lured north for a simpler life. Their son Nicholas was born in 1983 and after a brief stint of homesteading they bought a house in Appleton, where he was finally able to build the workshop he'd been dreaming of for years. He lived there until 2002, when his illness necessitated entering Harbor Hill, a long term care facility in Belfast. For most people, life with a debilitating disease in a nursing home would be a most depressing prospect. Alden on the other hand was courageous and rose to the occasion with an amazingly positive attitude, never complaining and seeming to make the best of each day. He took full advantage of the beauty of Belfast harbor, as long as weather would allow, sometimes sneaking out to a sunny spot even in December. He diligently monitored activity in his surroundings, whether it was a cardinal at his bird feeder or an interesting boat entering the harbor. He kept a close eye on construction crews during the rebuilding of the Belfast Foot Bridge, talking daily with workers. Upon completion, he led the parade across the bridge and even made a short speech about the advantages of having the bridge restored, both for him and the community. He became a fixture on the bridge during the summer months, chatting with passersby on his way across. It also gave him a chance to observe construction of the Front Street Shipyard, and later the boats coming and going from it. His computer, operated with head controls allowed him to maintain a connection with the outside world. When he wasn't patrolling the halls as acting Sheriff of Harbor Hill, he designed marine electrical systems, enjoyed music, corresponded with friends, both new and old, and monitored various webcams, weather buoys, national and world events. He took great interest and pride in Nicholas' work by studying plans and photos of ongoing projects online. He adored his granddaughter Sydney Wynn Blethen Trull, born in 2011 to his son Nicholas and partner Darcy Blethen. He Skyped with Sydney daily and they shared hours of conversation over meals and Legos as she established herself as a brilliant young lady. He made a multitude of significant and affectionate relationships with residents, visitors and staff members at Harbor Hill and was very appreciative of their care. He also had wonderful support from good friends and family members, in particular, George Stevenson, Alena Pennington and Patty Sheehan as they ran errands for him, shared conversation and helped make his quality of life possible. Alden is survived by his son Nicholas Trull, partner Darcy Blethen, and granddaughter Sydney Wynn Blethen Trull of Burkettville, a brother David Trull of Redmond, WA, nephew Nathaniel Trull of Fairhaven, MA, and several aunts and cousins. At Alden’s request, a remembrance will be planned for later in the Spring when trees and new life are blooming.