Hancock County

Robert W. Bragdon Sr., 75, of Winter Harbor, Jan. 10 at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, Ellsworth.

James Arthur Bryant, 90, of Longview, Wash., Jan. 10. Private celebration of life at later date.

Jean S. Ford, 75, of Blue Hill, Dec. 24 at her home. Celebration of life 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, First Baptist Church, Blue Hill.

Barbara K. Gordon, 62, of Sullivan, Jan. 12.

Gary Hodgdon, 66, of Tremont, Jan. 10 at his home. Celebration of 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, Tremont Gymnasium.

Theresa Arlene Labree-Pollard, 83, of Brooklin and Glenburn, at a local hospital. Memorial gathering 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, Family Reception Center, Brookings-Smith, Bangor.

Georgette Himes Richardson, 54, of Bar Harbor, Jan. 10 at her home. Service and celebration of life Jan. 14, St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church, Bar Harbor.

Orice Lee (Bunker) Stinson, 80, of Prospect Harbor, Jan. 9 at her home. Service at later date.

Laverne J. (Swanson) Walton, 80, of Mount Desert Island and Ellsworth, Dec. 23 at Ellsworth. Celebration of life noon Sunday, Jan. 22, Moore Community Center, Ellsworth. Spring burial.

Washington County

Addie E. Alley, 88, of Beals, Jan. 6 at Beals. Spring graveside service.

Robert O. Brown, 74, of Whiting, Jan. 12.

Emma M. (Hooper) Cunningham, 88, of Machias, Jan. 13 at Milbridge.

Charles L. Dennison, 88, of Cutler, Jan. 8 at Bangor.

Levi E. Moores, 56, of Trescott, Jan. 9 at Bangor.

Bruce R. Reynolds, 93, of Machias, Jan 7 at Marshall Healthcare Facility, Machias. Spring memorial service, New Cutler Cemetery.

Arthur L. Sweet Sr., 85, of East Machias, Jan. 10.

Irene E. Tibbetts, 93, of Jonesboro, Jan. 13 at Courtland Nursing Home, Ellsworth. Spring memorial service.

Alayne Mariette Willard, 81, of Peoria, Ariz., formerly of Machias, Dec. 29. Graveside service 1 p.m. June 3, Fairview Cemetery, Farmington.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Death Notices appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

FRANKLIN – Marjorie G. Getchell, 94, died Jan, 19, 2017, at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, Ellsworth. She was born Aug. 3, 1922, in Franklin, the daughter of Lester E. and Effie M. (Campbell) Bunker Sr.

She attended Franklin schools and graduated from Franklin High School Class of 1940. Her first job was working as a telephone operator. Marjorie and Queen Joy were the first hot lunch cooks for Franklin Grammar School; they also ran the “Snack Shack” for the blueberry factory in the summer. Later she worked in the post office in Sorrento helping her sister. She was known for her cooking, especially her doughnuts, and her willingness to help anytime or anywhere she could. She enjoyed deer hunting and ice fishing. Marjorie belonged to the Franklin School Mates and attended the Franklin Methodist Church.

She is survived by her daughter Faye Havey and husband, Richard; grandsons Richard “Dick” Havey and wife, Diane, Wayne Havey and wife, Julie, all of Franklin; great-granddaughters Melissa, Cheryl, Emily and Heather; great-great-grandchildren Mathew and Kylie; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; husband of 64 years, Gerald; grandson Mark; sisters Arlette and Vera; and brothers Manford, Lester Jr., (Jake) and William.

Calling hours will be held 1 to 2 p.m., Jan. 28, 2017, with a funeral service at 2 p.m. at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. A graveside service will be held in the spring at Bayview Cemetery, Franklin.

The family would like to thank the staff at MCMH and Courtland Rehab.

Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Marjorie G. Getchell appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

HANCOCK – Marion Dow, 93, born Oct. 26, 1923, the daughter of Harry and Teresa Small of Harrington, died Jan. 20, 2017, after a long battle with cancer while at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital. Marion grew up in Harrington and lived there until she moved to Ellsworth in the late 1960s. She was a devoted member of the United Baptist Church in Ellsworth for many years. She was awarded the Boston Post Cane in 2016 by the town of Hancock. Marion worked many years in the Ellsworth area, working at the mill, department stores, selling Avon and working at Dunkin’ Donuts. She made friends wherever she was and remembered them throughout the years. She received great pleasure in giving to as many charities and religious organizations as possible. She will be missed by her family and friends.

Marion was predeceased by her brother Lloyd Small and his wife, Marjorie (Foss) Small, brother Stanley Small and his wife, Betty (Millet) Small, ex-husbands Clayton Grant and Clarence Down, two sons, Paul Grant and Phillip Grant, and son-in-law Phillip Lane.

Marion is survived by her three children, Patricia (Grant) Birch and husband, Mark, of Westford, Mass., Douglas Grant and wife, Elaine (Couture). of North Berwick, and June (Dow) Lane of Copperas Cove, Texas; 12 grandchildren, Mark, Peter, Kristen, Betsy, Alex, Nicole, Sara, Karen, Kenneth, Christopher, Laura and Ashley; 25 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Seaport Village Healthcare staff for their excellent care of Marion over the last several months. A special thank you to Friends in Action in for helping her for the last few years.

Memorial contributions may be made to Friends in Action. 125 State St., Ellsworth, ME 04605. A private service with burial will be scheduled for the summer. Arrangements entrusted to Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home in Ellsworth. Memories may be shared at www.bragdonkelley.com.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Marion Dow appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

SORRENTO – Kevin Jay Clark, 53, died unexpectedly on Jan. 10, 2017, at his house in North Waterboro. He was born in Bar Harbor Aug. 27, 1963, to Edwin C. Clark Jr. and Ruth Sargent Clark of Sorrento. He graduated from EMVTI and the University of Maine at Orono, and recently from the Landing School.

Kevin, a self-professed curmudgeon, born again pagan and master of useless information was in truth the sweetest, kindest, most gentle human being most of us had known. Every weekend for over two years, after his father had died, he would drive the 4.5-plus hours one way to visit his Mother and help do her never ending house “to-do” list. All family members have concurred Kev always found the perfect Christmas gift, even while muttering “Bah Humbug” under his breath. He spent nearly every Saturday night for the past 25 years having dinner with his good friends Ted and Rob.

Kevin had a love of boats, maintaining two in his yard that he would sometimes sit in, make motor sounds and toast Captain Jack Sparrow. He maintained a fleet of 12 vintage Homelite outboards, which stood in his yard waiting to spring into action on either of the aforementioned boats. He did get on the ocean for real with his nephew Jason on his sailboat and with childhood friend Paul Tracey and family scooting over to Bar Harbor for lunch.

He also had a great love of fishing, always a rod and tackle could be found in the back of one of his many Saabs or trucks. Striped bass fishing on the Saco River with friends or by himself in his kayak trolling for mackerel were some of his happiest times.

For the last 30 years Kevin, supercharged on coffee, would spring from his underground lair (he lived in a berm house) every workday to corral misbehaving machinery at various manufacturing facilities in York County, most recently at Maine Manufacturing/GVS in Sanford.

Kevin’s love of YouTube videos about shooting guns and blowing stuff up was only surpassed by his love of bacon and broccoli. And hamburgers. Though O’Chang comics kept him very entertained and he always looked forward to a new episode, sometimes acting them out at the strangest moments.

Kevin left behind many interesting items for his sister to do something with, a Leg Lamp from the movie “A Christmas Story” serving as a prime example.

Kevin may have outwardly been a curmudgeon, but if you were his friend he was there for you rain or shine or if you just needed help with a body in the middle of the night.

Kevin will be terribly missed by his sister Beth Clark and husband, Jim Bean, of Sorrento, nephew Sean Clark of Miami, Fla., nephew Jason Clark of Sorrento, his aunts, uncles, cousins, and multitude of friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Bruce.

His friends from southern Maine are planning a celebration of life, date to be determined. His family will be having a remembrance celebration at the family shore sometime this summer. All are invited to both. If you would like to be notified of the date of either event when it is planned, please send an email to kevin@tteddo.com and you will be added to the list.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Kevin Jay Clark appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

BLUE HILL – Roland (Tim) Adrian Tarr, 80, of Blue Hill, died peacefully surrounded by his wife and children at his home on Jan. 17, 2017. Tim was born Sept. 7, 1936, in Glenburn and spent his youth in central Maine, where he played fullback for MCI High School. Upon graduation, he entered the Air Force and served in the Air National Guard, thus fueling his love of flying. After his service, he worked in construction, specializing in running heavy equipment.

In 1959, he married his sweetheart Gloria Edith (Glavine). They were married for 57 years and had six children. In 1964, Tim began his career as a Maine game warden, working on the Blue Hill Peninsula and later as a pilot for the Maine Warden Service in northern Maine. He thoroughly enjoyed serving as a game warden and accumulated and retold countless stories with a twinkle in his eyes, of the “ones that got away,” poachers, and rescues of people and animals in danger. He was known for being fair, respectful, and persistent, being a good marksman, and was most proud that he never pulled or used his service revolver during altercations or arrests. He retired in 1984.

Tim and a friend built two airplanes for personal use, which flew him all over Maine. His flight stories included dropping food bundles at a Boy Scout campsite, finding remote fishing holes, visiting family and simply enjoying the beauty of Maine. This passion for flying and fishing along with his love of animals was shared with his children and grandchildren. He bought his first commercial fishing boat in 1979 and later built another boat aptly named the Gloria E. Over the years he fished according to the season: scalloping, shrimping, tuna fishing and lobstering; he continued hauling traps until 2014.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Gloria, and their six children: Tracey Tarr with Jay Witcher; Michelle Lamprell with Jeff Karcher; Michael Tarr and wife, Beth-Ellen Tarr-Edwards; David and wife, Joyce Tarr; Heidi Tarr and husband, Tim Hagelin; Holli Tarr and husband, Matt Hinderliter. He was “Poppy” to his 12 grandchildren: Simon (and wife, Mouna), Timmy, and Samantha Lamprell; Stephen and Tyler Tarr; Ellenore, Grace, Ruth, and Margaret Tarr; Elsa Molarsky; Katherine and Margaret Hinderliter; and one great-grandson, Adam Lamprell.

A memorial service will be planned for late June to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to SPCA of Hancock County and The Tree of Life Food Pantry in Blue Hill.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Roland (Tim) Adrian Tarr appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

BAR HARBOR – Corinne Gonya Graham passed away peacefully on Jan. 21, 2017, at Birch Bay Village, Bar Harbor. She was born on March 31, 1926, in Boston, Mass., to Frederick H. Gonya and Charlotte (Lord) Gonya.

Corinne was educated in Bar Harbor and Palm Beach Schools in her younger years. She spent her high school years at Northfield School for Girls in Northfield, Mass., graduating in 1944.

On Sept. 27, 1946, she married William F. Graham Jr. They had three children — Anne, Charlotte and Gordon. Corinne loved playing golf, entertaining, sitting on a beach, but most of all she loved her family. She had 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Not bad for being an only child.

She is survived by her daughter Anne Graham Clark and husband, Tom, and their children Peter, James, Matthew; her daughter Charlotte and husband, Roy, and their children Jayme, JoAnna, Roy Jr. and Andrew; her son Gordon and his children Lucy, David, Emily and Ian; her great-grandchildren Mea, Preston, Nicole, Zoey, Zachery and Alex Clark; Alexa and Nathan Corey; Luke, Jacob and Willa Rice; Emilynn, Lyman, Willemena and Waylon Pinkham. Corinne was pre-deceased by her parents, and her husband, “Buddy.”

Funeral services and burial will be announced in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MDI Hospital Auxiliary, P.O. Box 8, Bar Harbor, ME 04609.

Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Corinne Gonya Graham appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

ELLSWORTH – Carolyn Johnston was born in Bar Harbor, the daughter of Arthur (Brud) and Helen MacQuinn on June 19, 1937.

She graduated from Bar Harbor High School, Class of 1955. During her school years, she was active in all aspects of high school life, participating to the fullest. She was a varsity cheerleader, student council member, a Spear Speaking Contest finalist, Y-Teens president, served on the Islander board and was a Football Queen.

Carolyn went on to graduate from Westbrook College, which is now known as New England College, with a degree in medical records management.

In the summer of 1957, she married her husband, Lawrence Johnston (Larry), also a native of Bar Harbor, at St. Saviour’s Church in Bar Harbor. They moved to Brunswick, where he finished his education at Bowdoin College. Carolyn was active in the Bowdoin Wives Club, a group of “gals” that volunteered wherever needed. During their early years, their first house became a weekend “hostel” for girls visiting their sweethearts at Bowdoin.

Larry’s work took the family to Bangor, where Carolyn was a member of the Junior League. Moving to the Burlington, Vt., area in the 1960s, Carolyn was bookkeeper to the Underhill, Vermont School District. In the 1970s, the family located to Ridgefield, Conn. While there, Larry commuted to New York City to continue working for the New York Life Insurance Co. During this time all her children graduated from Ridgefield High School, while enjoying their many travels with mom and dad.

Living in Connecticut, Carolyn worked as a “Kelly Girl” in New York and Connecticut. Her favorite employment was with Standard Brands as the office manager during its merger with Nabisco.

After being away from Maine for 25 years, “just like a salmon” it was time to swim upstream and return home. The family moved to Oak Point in Trenton. They operated the Oak Point Lobster Pound Restaurant, which could not have been done without the early help of their children.

Upon their move to Ellsworth, Carolyn and Larry volunteered for several organizations, and were devotedly active to their beloved Church of Our Father in Hulls Cove.

Carolyn loved to travel, finding new vistas and discovering many adventures here and abroad. She often said, “The GPS directions saved our marriage.”

She celebrated her love of music, art, knitting and the out-of-doors by spending summers at the 97-year-old “green” camp on Beech Hill Pond.

Carolyn died at home on Jan. 19, 2017, and as she wished, she was cared for by hospice and her family.

Carolyn was predeceased by her parents, Helen and Arthur (Brud) MacQuinn, her brother Douglas, special cousin Ronald MacQuinn and her son-in-law Lt. Richard Jacobs.

Carolyn is survived by her husband of 60 years, Lawrence, and their four children; daughter Ann Johnston, and her husband, Pritam Singh, and their children Noah Singh and Simran Johnston of South Woodstock, Vt., son Alexander Johnston and his partner, Dr. Bret Findley, of Burlington, Vt., daughter Lynn Johnston Jacobs and partner, Ben Andrews, and her children Chad, Luke and Molly Jacobs of South Woodstock, Vt., and her son Eric Johnston and his wife, Julie Johnston, of Barnard, Vt.

She is survived by her cousins Marty Reynolds, Rebecca MacQuinn, and the late Ronald MacQuinn’s wife, Barbara. She is also survived by her late brother Douglas’s children, Lisa Tweedee, Karen Shields and Jan Gee, and their caring mother, Lucy Tripsett, by her nephews John Rogers, Ricky Goduti, and James Goduti, and her cousins Peter and Paul Douglas. Carolyn also leaves five step-grandchildren, Siri Kaur, Tyler Reynolds, Charan Kaur, Brian Jacobs and Rebecca Willard.

Services will be held at St. Saviour’s Church in Bar Harbor on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 11 a.m. The service will be followed by a reception in the church’s rectory. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Church of Our Father, P.O. Box 186, Hulls Cove, ME 04644.

Carolyn asks that we say to all: “Make it a good day, and bye-bye!”

Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald Funeral Home, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Carolyn Johnston appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

Hancock County

Gerald Sumner Champney, of Searsport, formerly of Bucksport, Jan. 16.

Kevin Jay Clark, 53, of Sorrento and North Waterboro, Jan. 10 at his North Waterboro home. Celebration of life at later date.

Dennis Cobb Danforth, 71, of Frankfort, Jan. 18 at his home. Celebration of life 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, Orland Community Center.

Marion Dow, 93, of Hancock, Jan. 20 at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, Ellsworth. Private service and burial at later date.

Jean S. Ford, 75, of Blue Hill, Dec. 24 at her home. Celebration of life 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, First Baptist Church, Blue Hill.

Marjorie G. Getchell, 94, of Franklin, Jan, 19 at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, Ellsworth. Visiting 1 to 2 p.m., followed by funeral service 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, Jordan-Fernald, Ellsworth. Spring graveside service, Bayview Cemetery, Franklin.

Clayton E. Gilley Sr., 84, of Bar Harbor, Jan. 18 at his home. Memorial service 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, Tremont Congregational Church, Bass Harbor. Spring interment, Otter Creek Cemetery.

Corinne Gonya Graham, 90, of Bar Harbor, Jan. 21 at Birch Bay Village, Bar Harbor. Spring funeral service and burial.

Carolyn Johnston, 79, of Ellsworth, Jan. 19 at her home. Service 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, St. Saviour’s Church, Bar Harbor, followed by reception in the church rectory.

Theresa Arlene Labree-Pollard, 83, of Brooklin and Glenburn, at a local hospital. Memorial gathering 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, Family Reception Center, Brookings-Smith, Bangor.

Granville G. Miller, 86, of Ellsworth, formerly of Belfast, Jan. 24.

William Carlton Reinhardt Sr., 75, of Hancock, Jan. 18 at his home. Memorial service noon Friday, Jan. 27, Riposta Funeral Home, Belfast.

Glenn Shephard, 66, of Rockland and Deer Isle, Jan. 10 at Sussman House, Rockport. Celebration of life Jan. 22, Owls Head Transportation Museum. Private interment in Deer Isle at later date.

John Edward Suminsby, 94, of Wenham, Mass., formerly of Northeast Harbor, Jan. 16 at his home. Graveside service Jan. 20, Wenham Cemetery. Memorial service and reception 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, Second Congregational Church, Beverly, Mass.

Roland Adrian Tarr, 80, of Blue Hill, Jan. 17 at his home. Memorial service in late June.

Megan Lynn Walker, 23, of Bangor, Jan. 17. Service 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, Ellsworth Elks Lodge.

Phyllis Anderson Wyman, 88, of Coppell, Texas, formerly of Deer Isle, Jan. 14. Celebration of life Jan. 24, Rolling Oaks Funeral Home, Coppell, Texas. Spring burial, National Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta.

Washington County

David Moses Bridges, 54, of Pleasant Point, Jan. 20 at his home. Burial Mass Jan. 25, Beatrice Rafferty School, Pleasant Point. Burial, Tribal Cemetery.

Emma Marie (Hooper) Cunningham, 88, of Machias, Jan. 13 at Milbridge. Memorial service at later date.

Millard H. Emerson, 75, of Addison, Jan. 13 at Bangor.

Norma Duguay Faulkingham, 86, of Jonesport, Jan. 22 at Sunrise Care Facility, Jonesport. Visiting noon to 1 p.m., followed by service 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, Sawyer Memorial Congregational Church, Jonesport.

Christine Frances Grant, 97, of Lakeland, Fla., formerly of Calais, Jan. 18. Interment, Calais.

Norma I. (Casey) Hill, 80, of Houlton, formerly of Calais, Jan. 18 at her home. Service Jan. 19, St. Mary of the Visitation Parish, Houlton.

Verlan R. Lenfestey, 89, of Beals, Jan. 21 at Machias. Service 1 p.m. today, Thursday, Jan. 26, Church of Christ Lamb of God Church, Jonesport.

Trudy Miller, 68, of Lubec and Fairhope, Ala., Jan. 16. Memorial service in Lubec at later date.

Richard E. Young, 80, of Cherryfield, Jan. 18 at Maine Veterans Hospital, Togus. Spring service, Cherryfield.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Death Notices appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

ELLSWORTH – Sylvia Louise (Bunker) Young, 77, passed away at her home surrounded by her family Jan. 25, 2017. She was born in Ellsworth, Oct. 7, 1939, the daughter of Elizabeth (Grindle) and Reginald Bunker Sr.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Ellis (Sonny) Young; daughters Darlene Spencer, Roberta Young; son Donald Young; son-in-law David Carter; grandchildren Lee Southurick and wife, Kolby, Warren Dowling III and wife, Tracy, and April Dowling; great-grandchildren Warren, Ashley, Casey and Lisa; brother Richard Bunker; aunt Betty Martin; and several nieces and nephews. She will be sadly missed by her special dog Cuddles. Sylvia was predeceased by her parents; sister Roberta; and brother Reginald Jr.

Gathering of family and friends will be held 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, at the VFW Hall, 419 Main St., Ellsworth.

Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Sylvia Louise (Bunker) Young appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

ELLSWORTH/HAVERHILL, MASS. – Lottie J. Gouthier, “Sugie,” passed away Jan. 29, 2017, peacefully with family around her. Born April 25, 1943, in Haverhill, Mass., to Arthur F. and Josephine Gouthier.

She leaves behind her two brothers, Raymond C. Gouthier of Oklahoma, and Grover R. Gouthier of Livermore, one sister, Ellie McAlpine of Waltham, and several nieces and nephews.

Many thanks go to the staff at Seaport Village Health Care for the care and love they gave her during her stay there. Private services will be announced later.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Lottie J. Gouthier appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

BUCKSPORT/MILWAUKEE, WIS. – Elliott Donald Blodgett, 87, died at St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee, Wis., on Jan. 30, 2017. He died after suffering a stroke in the hospital, while recovering from a fall sustained a month earlier.

Don was born at home in Bucksport on March 21, 1929, son to Frederic Swazey Blodgett and Jessie Nye Blodgett, youngest brother to Sara Blodgett and Frederic Maurice Blodgett. Don grew up in the multigenerational Blodgett family home on School Street, and at Sunnyside, the family’s summer camp on Lake Alamoosook in Orland. Don’s youth was filled with pond hockey, junior and high school baseball, band, orchestra and debate. Don had fond memories of working alongside the old timers in his father’s tannery.

Don graduated from Bucksport High School in 1947 and from Bowdoin College in 1951 with a degree in psychology. He enlisted in the Army and served with the 25th Infantry Division Band, playing for USO shows and MASH units. Don took pride in his service and last year participated with his son Dana in an Honor Flight with other Korean War vets to Washington, D.C.

Don married Patricia Simmons, also of Bucksport, in 1951. After raising a family they were later divorced but remained lifelong friends.

Don earned M.S. and Ed.D. degrees at Syracuse University while working in the Syracuse, N.Y., public schools as a speech and hearing specialist. In 1959, he moved his family to Fairfax, Va., and became the supervisor of special education programs. In 1963, he was hired as the executive director of special education programs for the Milwaukee, Wis., public school system and earned a reputation as an innovative advocate for children with special needs. While in Milwaukee he was a member of the cultural exchange delegation to the Soviet Union under the Nixon-Brezhnev Agreement. In 1978, he moved to Arlington, Va., and concluded his professional life as an education specialist and program officer for the U.S. Department of Education.

In his middle years, Don rekindled his passion for music and worked tirelessly to regain his “embouchure,” eventually restoring the skills he needed to play professional “gigs.” Don also revisited his love of hockey and played for several years in a Washington, D.C., area community league. When time allowed he walked the newly plowed cornfields in Wisconsin or browsed and excavated sites in Maine searching for Native American artifacts. He also developed an impressive collection of Eskimo carvings.

Don shared his passion for music and his love of nature with his children and grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Family memories are of early Wisconsin camping trips in a bedraggled canvas tent; campfires and fishing and hunting on the Brule River in northern Wisconsin; fishing and digging for Indian artifacts on the shores of Lake Alamoosook, and improvised recitals on the family piano or the old pump organ at camp. He encouraged and took great pride in the musical achievements of his granddaughter Jessie, who died four years ago. He enjoyed the wrestling and football and baseball accomplishments of his grandson Max.

In his retirement years, Don lived at Shady Knoll, his camp on Lake Alamoosook, from June through October, and then returned to Milwaukee for the winter. While in Maine, he referred to himself as “a native from away.” He was a venerable figure on the lake, known for making the evening rounds of the shoreline in his boat, ringing his bell or performing his signature Tarzan yodel as he stopped at each camp. Many of those voyages included his partner of the last nine years, Pam Lidington, also of Milwaukee.

Don dedicated the last decades of his life to his music. In Arlington and Milwaukee and Maine, his days were devoted to planning and practicing and playing in jazz bands, big bands, circus bands and symphonic bands. It was a rare night that he was not out performing. At the time of his death, Don was playing trombone in more than nine different musical groups. Of special note were the Shrine Circus Band in Milwaukee, and his annual benefit events in Bucksport: the trombone concert at the Congregational Church and the Circus Band Concert at the middle school. Donations may be made in his name to the Elm Street Congregational Church, 31 Elm St., P.O. Box 878, Bucksport, ME 04416 to help preserve its historic Hooke organ, and to The Down East Center Ring Circus Band Scholarship Fund c/o Martha Pedrick, 135 Shadow Springs Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30022.

Don is survived by his four children Fred, Dana, Becky and Buck, Buck’s wife, Joy, his grandson Max, his former wife, Pat, his life partner, Pam, and his many nieces and nephews. His wish was to be cremated and have his ashes scattered along Lake Alamoosook. There will be several public celebrations of his life this coming summer, all of course involving music and perhaps “Grampa Don’s famous down east clam dip.” Public announcements will be made when dates are determined

Don, Dad, you will be missed.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Elliott Donald Blodgett appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

CHERRYFIELD – William Robert Boyer Jr., 71, of Hume, Ill., Desert Hot Springs, Calif., and Cherryfield, formerly of Decatur, Ill., passed away Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, at his home in Desert Hot Springs under the view of Mount San Jacinto.

Bill was born on Jan. 7, 1945, in Decatur, the son of William Robert and Charlotte (Conklin) Boyer Sr. He attended Hotchkiss School and was a graduate of Millikin University, proudly served in the U.S. Navy Reserves, and served as an official on many committees and boards to include Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 664 in Falls Church, Va., active member of his church, First Congregational Church of Cherryfield and the commodore of Petit Manan Yacht Club in Maine. He was a loving father and great friend who shared his passion for chess, sailing, camping, adventuring and folk singing with his boys, grandchildren and friends. Making acquaintances and winning friendships came naturally to Bill with his jovial sense of humor and warm approachable personality.

Surviving him are his sons, William Robert Boyer III (Kate) of Broadlands, Ill.; Todd P. Boyer (Rebekah) of Hebron, Ind.; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Barbara Kent.

The service to celebrate Bill’s life will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, in Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested as follows: First Congregational Church in Cherryfield, or Downeast Equine and Large Animal Society, P.O. Box 485, Cherryfield, ME 04622.

The family of William Robert Boyer Jr. is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur, Ill. Please send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post William Robert Boyer Jr. appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

HANCOCK – Alice M. Bagley, 70, died at her home Feb. 1, 2017. She was born in Winter Harbor, June 30, 1946, daughter of Charles and Patricia (Young) Butler.

She graduated from Sumner High School, Class of 1964, and cosmetology school in 1985. Alice married Rudy Bagley in 1966 and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May 2016. She owned and operated Shear Designs in Ellsworth until she sold the business and went into semi-retirement. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their school functions and sporting activities.

She is survived by her beloved Rudy until the very end; sons, Corey Bagley and wife, Stacey, Shawn Bagley and wife, Christine, all of Hancock; four grandchildren, Nicholas, Katelynn, Jacob and Kaylee; sister Karen Hodgdon and husband, Daryl, of Hancock; nieces, nephews and many dear friends; and one special niece, Deborah Grant who cared for her when needed for the last four years. She was predeceased by her parents.

A special thank-you to Dr. Harmon and his staff and to all the other healthcare workers and providers who assisted in Alice’s care.

Calling hours will be held 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m., Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at the Hancock Congregational Church with interment at Eastside Cemetery, Hancock.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Alice’s memory may be made to Mary Dow Cancer Center, 50 Union St., Ellsworth, ME 04605.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Alice M. Bagley appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

CHERRYFIELD – Forrest B. Atwater, 73, passed on Jan. 28, 2017, at Bangor Memorial Hospital. Forrest Jr. was born June 20, 1943, in Columbia Falls at his grandparents’ house, Benjamin and Iva Dorr. He grew up in Unionville and graduated from Sumner High School in Sullivan in 1961. He worked hard at seasonal work; carpentry work; factories; saw mills; concrete; and retired from Wyman’s C&D in Deblois.

In 1964, he married his best friend from childhood and the love of his life. He raised and loved his three children and enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a friend and respected by young and old. They loved his humor, his life’s stories and especially his honesty. He loved to hunt and fish, taking many trips with his son, and he was a Boston Red Sox fan.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughter Alisa Todd and her husband, Nyle; son Bud Atwater III; three grandchildren, Adam and Erin Brooks, Forrest Atwater IV; great-grandchildren MaKenzi and MaKenna Brooks, Cayden Stanley; and his brother Anthony Atwater.

He was predeceased by his parents, Arlene and Forrest Atwater Sr., his daughter Charlene, her husband, Charles Bagley Jr., her son Bowen “B.J.” Colwell, her daughter Cady Lyn Bagley, and a wonderful father-in-law, Phil Hodgkins.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Forrest B. Atwater appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

Hancock County

Elliott Donald Blodgett, 87, of Bucksport and Milwaukee, Wis., Jan. 30 at St. Francis Hospital, Milwaukee. Summer celebration of life.

Frances W. Bray, 100, of Orland, Jan. 27 at Ellsworth. Spring graveside service, Oak Grove Cemetery, Orland.

Leslie M. Crockett, 84, of Bar Harbor, Jan. 24 at Ellsworth.

Dennis Cobb Danforth, 71, of Frankfort, Jan. 18 at his home. Celebration of life 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, Orland Community Center.

Marie Therese “Cecile” Gaudet, 98, of Somesville and Mount Desert, Jan. 25 at her home. Spring interment, Brookside Cemetery, Somesville.

Lottie J. Gouthier, 73, of Ellsworth and Haverhill, Mass., Jan. 29 at Seaport Village Health Care, Ellsworth. Private service at  later date.

Philip R. Leonard, 71, of Penobscot, Jan. 29 at Penobscot. Burial Mass Feb. 1, Our Lady of Holy Hope, Castine. Burial, Bayview Cemetery, Penobscot.

Philip E. Moriarty II, 49, of Northeast Harbor, Jan. 23 at New Haven, Conn. Service Jan. 25, New Haven.

Judith L. Richmond, 71, of Surry, Jan. 25 at her home. Memorial service 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, Edward K. Arey Community Center, Bucksport.

Eva M. (Brown) Scripture, 81, of Newburgh, formerly of Castine, Jan. 25 at a Brewer healthcare facility. Spring graveside service.

Robert O. Speigel Jr., 50, of Otter Creek and Seal Harbor, Jan. 21. Celebration of life 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, Dog and Pony Tavern, Bar Harbor.

Juanita H. Stanley, 89, of Seal Cove, Jan. 26 at Ellsworth.

Sylvia Louise (Bunker) Young, 77, of Ellsworth, Jan. 25 at her home. Gathering 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 2, VFW Hall, Ellsworth.

Washington County

Forrest Atwater Jr., 73, of Cherryfield, Jan. 28.

Daniel Wayne Beal, 62, of Boothbay Harbor, formerly of Jonesport, Jan. 25 at Kansas City, Mo. Memorial services at later date, Kansas City, Jonesport, and Boothbay Harbor.

Walter H. Cirone Jr., 71, of Topsham, formerly of Harrington, Jan. 28 at his home. Memorial service 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, Brookings-Smith, Bangor.

Daniel H. Earley, 87, of Eastport, Jan. 27 at Eastport. Visiting 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, Mays Funeral Home, Eastport. Service 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, Mays Funeral Home. Interment, Hillside Cemetery, Eastport.

Carl McKinley Fish Jr., 86, of Waite, Jan. 23 at Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor. Service Jan. 27, Clay Funeral Home, Lincoln.

Pauline E. Look Kenney, 90, of Winterport, Jan. 22. Service 1 p.m.  Sunday, Feb. 12, Church of Christ, Jonesport. Spring committal.

Michael Martin Mahar, 43, of Kennebunk, formerly of Lubec, Dec. 25 at his home. Memorial service 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, Whiting Community Center.

Trudy (Newman) Miller, 68, of Lubec, and Fairhope, Ala., Jan. 16 at Alabama. Service 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, Christian Temple Church, Lubec.

Gertrude J. Newman, 93, of Lubec and Milbridge, Jan. 25 at Milbridge. Service 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, Christian Temple Church, Lubec.

Calvin A. Nicholas Jr., 81, of Perry, Jan. 24 at a Bangor hospital. Burial Mass Jan. 30, St. Ann’s Church, Peter Dana Point.

Madalene W. Trott, 93, of Lubec, Jan. 25 at Marshall Healthcare Facility, Machias. Spring graveside service, Green Acres Cemetery, Lubec.

Helon E. Turmel, 91, of Meddybemps and Daytona Beach Shores, Fla., Jan. 25 at Providence, R.I. Visiting 10 to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, Mays Funeral Home, Calais. Burial Mass noon Saturday, Feb. 4, Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Calais, followed by interment, Meddybemps Cemetery.

Kasey Shannon Vicaire, 37, of Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, Howland and Eastport, Jan. 25 at Emirates National School, Al Ain. Celebration of life at later date.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Death Notices appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

SORRENTO – Sheila Gamble Cook was born on Sept. 10, 1919, in Boston, Mass. She was the second of five children born to Elisabeth Chafee Gamble and Dr. James Lawder Gamble and spent her childhood growing up in New England. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College and in 1945 married Dr. Charles Davenport Cook, with the couple soon settling in Cambridge, Mass. They had four children together in the family home on Coolidge Hill. Sheila continued her studies at Harvard University’s Department of Urban Planning and Design and took on an active role in Cambridge’s City Planning and Zoning Commission, including helping to write the Cambridge Zoning Code in the 1960s.

The couple moved to New Haven in 1965, where Sheila received a master’s degree in social work from Southern Connecticut School of Social Work. They divorced in 1976 and Sheila settled back in Cambridge where she focused her time on social work, writing and local community activism. In 1979, she founded The Women’s Job Counseling Center which offered career counseling, seminars, support groups and job opportunity resources to women seeking to enter the job market.

While spending her middle and elder years in Cambridge, Sheila remained incredibly engaged in local politics, zoning, historic preservation and civic causes. She voraciously took the pen authoring numerous books including “Dear Miss Hyde” and “The Great Swamp of Arlington, Belmont, and Cambridge.” Additionally, she was a passionate supporter of Women’s Rights and the Democratic Party — if there was ever a time for such ardent engagement, no doubt she would have been at the fore. Sheila was also an avid gardener and loved to spend summers surrounded by her family in her second home in Sorrento.

Sheila moved to Providence, R.I., in 2015 to be closer to family and passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 22, 2017, at the age of 97. She is survived by her four children (Andrew of Brunswick, Peter of Greenwich, Conn., Heidi of Bellevue, Wash., and Charles of Norwalk, Conn.), their spouses, nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and loving caregivers. A memorial service is planned for her in the spring in Cambridge, Mass., and one this summer in Sorrento. Donations can be made in her name to Planned Parenthood and the Democratic Party.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Sheila Gamble Cook appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

BAR HARBOR – Leslie Maurice Crockett, 84, loving husband of Myrle Norwood Crockett, passed on Jan. 24, 2017, after a period of declining health. Les was born Sept. 10, 1932, to Herbert and Grace Wing Crockett.

Les worked a significant part of his adult life for the Rockefeller family, and cherished his long friendship with David Rockefeller. Les enjoyed attending the Hayseeders Way Back Ball, and many Maine Academy of Country Music events, as a dedicated member of both organizations. Les also enjoyed lobstering and time in his greenhouse and gardens, where he grew vegetables for the farm stand he and Myrle ran. Leslie particularly loved RVing with his family. In addition to his wife of 64½ years, Leslie is survived by his sons Wayne of Houston, Texas, and David and his partner, Muriel, of Prospect; daughter-in-law Joy Crockett of Auburn; grandchildren, Shaun of Hermon, Scott of Falls Church, Va., Brian of Grants, N.M., Jamie of Ellsworth, Kayla and her children, Tyler, Cameron and Annabelle, of Bar Harbor; sister Belva Crockett Murphy and husband, Lawrence, of Ellsworth; sister-in-law Janett Norwood Muise and husband, Sherwood, of Otter Creek; Maybelle Norwood Montgomery of Tullahoma, Tenn.; brother-in-law Lloyd Norwood and wife, Judy, of Northeast Harbor. Leslie was predeceased by his parents, brothers Clifford (Nick) Crockett and Herbert Crockett Jr., and beloved son James M. Crockett.

Services will be held in the spring. A notice of memorial will be posted at that time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leslie Crockett Assistance Fund at First National Bank, 200 Main St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Leslie Maurice Crockett appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

SEDGWICK – Jane Grindle McVay passed away on Jan. 30, 2017, surrounded by her family at her residence in Sedgwick, at the age of 63.

Jane was predeceased by her mother, Nora Staples Grindle, and her father, Basil Grindle. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Ray (Pudge) McVay, daughters Shani M. Billings and Jessica L. McVay, and her four grandchildren, Lanie Billings, Matthew Billings, Addison Jane Austin and Mallory Austin. Jane is also survived by her siblings Barbara Grindle of Sedgwick, Robert Grindle of Connecticut, Tom and May Grindle of Blue Hill, Roger and Susan Grindle of Blue Hill and Jack and Barbara Grindle of Blue Hill.

Jane came into this world in the hot summer of August 1953 and spent her childhood on South Street in Blue Hill. Being the youngest of six, she quickly learned how to stand up and take a stand against her brothers, as she grew up to be a very strong-willed person. Jane attended Blue Hill Consolidated School and graduated from George Stevens Academy in 1971. Soon after graduation, she married her high school love and had her two children.

Jane had many passions during her life; from her love of quilting to her beautiful gardens, she was a woman of many talents. For almost 10 years she ran the local hardware store, McVay’s Hardware, and craft store, The Craft Attic. She learned the traits of the trade during those years, as she became a memorable figure in the community. She was also very talented in crafting her gorgeous doll houses, drawings and paintings. As her passions are seen within so many things, it is hard not to look at something and not think of her.

With a heart of gold, the love for her family and close friends always was incredibly important to her. Animals were always welcome in her heart and home.

Upon her request there will be no funeral services, but as the summer blooms and her gardens blossom, there will be a celebration of life in her honor.

Jane, wife, mother and grandmother, will be deeply missed and there won’t be a day that goes by she won’t touch our hearts and soul. Her presence will be felt within us forever.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Jane Grindle McVay appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

COREA – Marian R. Carre of Corea, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed reluctantly from this life on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. She was born Aug. 3, 1931, in Bridgeport, Conn., the daughter of Joseph Sappe and Helen Lopuson Sappe. Mrs. Carre had been a longtime resident of Corea, where she lived at water’s edge on Gouldsboro Bay. Mrs. Carre was a member of the Prospect Harbor United Methodist Church and had served as a volunteer for the National Park Service, acting as greeter and guide at the Schoodic “gatehouse” to Acadia National Park. She was an authority on many seldom-experienced viewspots and activities on the “quiet side” of Acadia.

Mrs. Carre also lived and worked for many years in southern Connecticut. As publicity and public relations director for the American Heart Association of Fairfield County, she had her proudest achievements, researching and writing feature articles on health topics for the Bridgeport Post and other newspapers. Subjects that Mrs. Carre found especially rewarding included treatment innovations described by local cardiologists and the success stories of children combating congenital conditions.

Mrs. Carre was a founding member of the Monroe Band Parents Association in Monroe, Conn. Together with her husband of 60 years, Daniel C. Carre, she advocated for public school students and the preservation of music, arts, and athletic programs throughout numerous years of lean budgets. Under the leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Carre, the Monroe Band Parents Association frequently relied on private and corporate fundraising to directly support student activities. A rich and stable Monroe music program is the legacy of this original group of activist parents.

In 1972 and 1973, Mr. and Mrs. Carre worked to sustain local Memorial Day parades in Monroe and Trumbull, Conn., by coordinating volunteers and securing financial support. Throughout her life Mrs. Carre continued to strenuously advocate that we always remember and honor our veterans.

Marian Carre enjoyed the simple avocations of collecting down-home New England cooking recipes and an extensive personal library relating to the Downeast region of Maine. She remained a courageous and determined caretaker to her husband, Daniel, throughout his 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She succeeded in a valiant effort to care for him in the home until his final day of life. She herself continued to live independently with limited home-health assistance until very near to the day of her passing. She loved to watch the life of the bay, the daily routines of lobstermen and scallopers, and the joy of her grandchildren at water’s edge. Amid the challenges of diabetes and its complications, Mrs. Carre wanted “to just live,” continuing to take in the experiences of living quietly Downeast.

Mrs. Carre is survived by son David and daughter-in-law Mary of Wayne, Pa.; grandson Alex of Washington, D.C.; and granddaughter Madeleine of Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Burial will be conducted in spring 2017. Condolences may be sent to Bragdon Kelley Funeral Home, www.bragdonkelley.com.

Gifts of remembrance in lieu of flowers to: Friends of Acadia National Park, 43 Cottage St., P.O. Box 45, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, (800) 625-0321 or https://friendsofacadia.org/secondcentury.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Marian R. Carre appeared first on The Ellsworth American.

BELFAST – Nita Hale Barbour passed away peacefully on Feb. 4, 2017, under hospice care at the Waldo County General Hospital. She was 85. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Nita was a 1952 graduate of Colby College and went on to achieve a master’s in French language studies at Middlebury. Her passion for the French language and teaching it led to studies at the Sorbonne in Paris, France, on a Fulbright scholarship. After some time out for a family, Nita went on to achieve a doctoral degree in early childhood education and development at the University of Maryland.

Nita had a long and distinguished career as a professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County spanning more than 20 years. She was the co-author of three texts in the field of child development plus a number of professional papers and research studies.

Nita is survived by her husband of 57 years, Chandler Barbour, her daughter Valerie H. Mekras and husband, Gregory Mekras, of Sugar Land, Texas, her son Steven Barbour and husband, Thomas Ponti, of Boston, and her granddaughter Victoria G. Mekras of Sugar Land, Texas. Nita is survived by her sisters Marian Hale Fowler of Norcross, and Barbara Hale Powers of Auburn, plus sisters-in-law Joan Hale and Virginia Hale, as well as many nieces, nephews and their children. She was predeceased by her three brothers: Richard Hale, Alan Hale, and William Hale II.

Nita and her husband retired to Deer Isle and continued their professional interests through community involvement particularly in the areas of early childhood literacy and social justice. They also developed their last co-authored text, “Families, Schools and Communities,” which remains in print today.

In her later years, Nita suffered the devastating effects of progressive dementia, but did so with the grace and warmth that had marked her earlier life.

Memorial services will be scheduled in July at Deer Isle to celebrate Nita’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her honor to the Deer Isle/Sunset Congregational Church, P.O. Box 292, Deer Isle, ME 04627, or Colby College, www.colby.edu/give.

Author information

Vanessa Hawkins

|

The post Nita Hale Barbour appeared first on The Ellsworth American.