Dedicated Employee, Mentor, and Friend
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of former AEC Engineering Shop Foreman, Orrin “Harry” Palmer, who dedicated more than 31 years of service to our company before retiring in 2023. Harry passed away on August 15, 2026, leaving behind a lasting legacy at AEC and in the lives of those who had the privilege of working alongside him. Orrin Harry Palmer Obituary
After serving his country in the Marine Corps, Harry worked as a machinist and commercial fisherman before joining AEC Engineering in 1992. Over the next thirty years, Harry became an institution within our company, mastering the craft of control panel fabrication and helping build the reputation for quality and workmanship that AEC has today.
Anyone who knew Harry knew he was truly one of a kind. His booming voice, gruff demeanor, and colorful vocabulary were legendary around the shop. He ran a tight operation, and customers frequently commented on how clean, organized, and ship-shape the shop was whenever they visited. Harry’s approach was undoubtedly influenced by his service as a United States Marine, where the values of discipline, accountability, and pride in one’s work became deeply ingrained.
Beneath that hard exterior, however, was a man who cared deeply about the people around him. Harry had a particular soft spot for younger employees. While earning his respect was never easy or automatic, those willing to work hard and learn quickly discovered a mentor who took pride in teaching his craft and helping others succeed. He held people to a high standard because he believed they were capable of meeting it. Many of the employees who worked under Harry carry lessons from him that continue to influence their work today.
Harry’s commitment to AEC Engineering and our customers never wavered. His attention to detail, dedication to quality, and strong work ethic helped shape our culture and contributed significantly to the success of the company. His impact can still be seen throughout our shop and in the standards he helped establish. Orrin “Harry” Palmer Retires After 31 Years of Service
Outside of work, Harry was a husband, father, grandfather, outdoorsman, and proud Marine. He enjoyed hunting, ice fishing, camping, and spending time with family and friends in the Maine woods that he loved so much.
To Kathy, Sarah, Orrin, and the entire Palmer family, we extend our deepest condolences. We are grateful for the years Harry spent with us, the example he set, and the countless ways he helped shape AEC Engineering. Harry may no longer be with us, but his voice, his standards, his stories, and his influence will continue to echo through our shop for years to come.
