Hope — Esmond Leroy Kaler, 71, of Hope, passed away, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, after a brief stay at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born in Rockland, Oct. 7, 1941, he was the son of Evelyn Davis and Walter Kaler. Esmond grew up in Rockland, where he attended local schools.

His passing comes after a long, debilitating battle with diabetes and a heart condition. He is survived by his wife, Sandra of 27 years. He is also survived by his three children, Kay T. Perry of Michigan, Marcia Joseph of Massachusetts, Diane Crudell of Bangor, and four step-children, Angel Hunt of Texas, Lillian Lamay of New York, James Houghton and his wife Jen of Hope and Gus Wellman the 3rd of Windsor; his three brothers, Pat (Elwyn) Davis of Brewer, Walter Kaler of Warren, Gregory Kaler of South Thomaston and his late sister, Belle (Isabel) Genthner’s daughter, Elaine Knowlton of Waldoboro. He is also survived by several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donations toward final expenses would be greatly appreciated by sending them to Hall Funeral, 78 Main St., Thomaston, ME 04861.