ELLSWORTH

Robert H. Curtis, 92, passed away on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018, in Ellsworth with his loving family by his side. He was born on Sept. 1, 1926, in Mexico, Maine, the son of William and Pearl (Ladd) Curtis.

Robert attended schools in Rumford and Mexico and graduated from Stephens High School Class of 1944. He served with the USMC in the Second World War in the Southwest Pacific. Robert worked at and retired from St. Regis Paper Co. in Bucksport. He was a former member of IOOF, past commander of Morton Ellis Post, Dixfield and a former member of Rising Sun Lodge, Orland.

He is survived by his wife, Rena, his children, Robert Curtis Jr. and wife, Phyllis, Claudette Heath, Gerald Curtis and wife, Elsie, Nancy Bowden and husband, Dennis, Thomas Curtis and wife, Olga, Howard Lane, Marie Croce and husband, Raymond, Brent Lane, Dana Lane and wife, Debra, Donald Lane and wife, Doris, Brian Lane and wife, Becky, James Lane and John Lane, 26 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth (Averill) Curtis, in November of 1978, siblings, Leon, William, Mervin, Madeline Lauzier and Geneva Garrett, son Gary Lane and son-in-law Dana Heath.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s memory may be made to Bucksport Community Concerns, P.O. Box 603, Bucksport ME 04416.

Family and friends will gather for a funeral service on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, at 1 p.m. at Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport. A reception will be held at the Verona Island Town Hall following the service. (mitchelltweedie-young.com)

ORLAND

Ruthetta Jane Mason Bishop passed away Friday, Dec. 21, 2018, after a courageous battle of health issues.

Ruth was born in Rangeley Oct. 20, 1935, to R. Glen and Ersel A. Murphy. The Murphy family moved in 1950 to Mayville road in the big house beside the Androscoggin River bridge. She attended local schools. On Oct. 3, 1954, Ruth married Charles Mason Jr. and they raised their six children on the Northwest Bethel road. Ruth worked locally at Hanover Dowel Co., Bethel Inn, The Norseman Inn and she retired from Gould Academy housekeeping department.

Following the death of her first husband, Charles, in 1991, Ruth took care of her mom for many years.

In 2004, Ruth married Charles Bishop of Orland, where she resided at the time of her passing. Ruth enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include Charles Bishop of Orland, children; Charles and Kathy Mason of Greenwood, Lee Blake of Augusta, David and Callie Mason of Rumford, Scott Mason of Rumford, Carole and Brad McLain of Bethel, Melinda and Matthew Bishop of Bucksport. Darren Bishop of Bucksport. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Her brothers Tommy Paul and Susie Murphy of North Carolina, James and Marge Murphy of Tennessee, and Christopher Murphy of Oakland, Maine. Several nieces and nephews.

Ruth was predeceased by her first husband, Charles Mason, her parents, her daughter Terri Lea Mason Blake, brothers Robert, Ray, Roy, William and Frank Murphy and one sister, Joyce Murphy Stearns.

Services will be held Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport.

Following the service there will be a gathering at Glenn’s Place, 214 U.S. Route 1, Bucksport. Family and friends are invited to purchase a lunch and share memories together.

ORLAND

Janice Lanpher, 81, passed away at home on Dec. 25, 2018. Janice worked at many different locations, owned and trained Standard Bred Harness Horses and worked with Russell to follow their passion. She was a member of the USTA and the MHHA. She was also a member of Order of Eastern Star Chapter No. 123 of Orland.

She is survived by her daughters, Marie and husband, Joe Nichols, and Deb and husband, Jerry Freeman, sons, Michael Lanpher and wife, Mary, Gordon Lanpher and partner Ann Wardwell, Russell Lanpher Jr. and partner Julie Jewett, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a special cousin, Paul Goss, nieces Donna and husband, Arnold Stinson, Bonnie Grant, Trudy and husband, Boyd Norman, and Tammie Cook. She was predeceased by her husband, Russell Lanpher Sr., her parents, Gladys Sibley and George Bryer Grant, and one brother, Norman Grant.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Janice’s memory may be made to Northern Light Home Care and Hospice 441 Main St., Suite 2, Ellsworth, ME, 04605 or the American Red Cross to help those in need. Thank you to all who have held with her care.

Services will be held later in the spring. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home and Cremation Services Bucksport. Memorial condolences may be made to mitchelltweedie-young.com.

BROOKSVILLE

Robert Curtiss (Bob) Strauss left this world on Dec. 9, 2018, as he lived it — with laughter, grace and acceptance. Bob was taken by frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), a rare neurodegenerative disease. For more than eight years, he experienced gradual progressive declines in his behavior, language and movement; however, Bob kept his memory, an awareness of his environment and his sense of delight in the world around him. With the support of a dedicated team of caregivers, Bob lived his last years happily at his home in Downeast Maine.

Born June 1, 1941, Bob spent his youth playing on the streets of Chicago with his sister (and designated co-pilot) Elaine. Grade school was a challenge — not for Bob, who enjoyed it immensely, but for his parents and the nuns responsible for his education. As Bob told it: “During grade school, I was left back twice, but double-promoted in fifth grade — so I ended up even.” His children, Jennifer and Morgan, recall hearing endless “bad daddy” stories from those years, and children of family and friends today find those stories to be a useful defense for their own misdeeds, as well as a source of hope, inspiration and entertainment.

Bob found his academic footing in high school and went on to earn his B.S. degree in engineering physics from the University of Illinois and his M.S. in physics from the University of Idaho. He began his career in engineering, holding technical positions at Eastman Kodak Co. and later General Electric. One of his first projects was to help develop the orbiting camera system that successfully mapped the moon, as a precursor to the Apollo mission.

Changing paths, Bob honed his corporate skills at Touche-Ross and Company, as a management consultant focusing on healthcare issues. Bob went on to hold senior leadership positions in medical device and pharmaceutical companies for the remaining three decades of his professional life. He served as chief financial officer, and later president, chief executive officer and chairman of Cordis Corp. Prior to his retirement in 2008, Bob served as president, chief executive officer and chairman of Noven Pharmaceuticals Inc.

This part of Bob’s life is best summed up in his own words.

“For the past 30 years, I have been in the health care field in one way or another. At one point in my life, I made thermonuclear bombs and they weren’t as much fun as health care because I couldn’t imagine what good they were doing. However, in health care, at the end of the day, even when a competitor wins, the patient still wins. So I have always felt that the medical field is a personally rewarding business. Of course, although we are in business to create value, the goal is also to make the world a little bit better, and I’m confident that we’re doing that.”

Bob served as a director on the board of trustees of the University of Miami. In addition to his committee duties, he especially enjoyed interacting directly with students. Bob considered the opportunity to deliver the commencement address to the May 1999 graduating class of the UM School of Engineering to be one of the personal highlights of his life. In his short and simple address, filled with good humor, he offered graduates a few lessons learned in the years since he had been in their shoes: “Lesson One: Wherever possible, keep it simple. Lesson Two: At all costs, enjoy what you are doing. Lesson Three: When in doubt, do the right thing. And the Last Lesson: Don’t impose limits on yourself that aren’t there.”

Bob also enjoyed serving as a director of the United Way of Miami-Dade, where he had the privilege of successfully co-chairing an annual United Way Campaign. He was also an active member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Coconut Grove, serving as a co-chair of the St. Stephen’s Art Show.

Bob’s favorite way to spend time with family and friends was either on the water, sailing, or by the water, sharing stories and marveling at the world, often with glass in hand. His memberships in the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club and the Coral Reef Yacht Club (each in Miami), as well as the Bucks Harbor Yacht Club (in Brooksville, Maine), were special pleasures in his life.

Bob had a gift for blending his family life, his many friendships, his work life, community service and recreation into one wonderful world. It was a good life, and Bob appreciated every day of it — so much so that, throughout his mother’s life, Bob would call her on his birthday to say: “Mom, thanks for having me — I’m having a blast!”

Bob is survived by his wife, Camilla McKee Cochrane; daughter, Jennifer Strauss and husband, Craig Darian; son, Morgan Strauss and wife, Jody; sister, Elaine Smith and partner, Ray Umeda; brother, Rick Strauss and wife, Diana; nephew, Mike Smith and wife, Katie Bernacchi, and their children, Niko and Luka; sisters-in-law, Lesely Kissel and Kimberly Cochrane; niece, Laura Cochrane and partner, Jennifer Krause; nephew, Ben Cochrane; godchildren, Ben Messerschmidt and Jocelyn Messerschmidt James. Bob was predeceased by his nephews Jason Strauss and Christopher Smith.

At a small ceremony at his home in Maine, Bob’s ashes were given to a nearby stream, to be carried by river to the sea that he loved. A celebration of his life will be held 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, at Eaglesmere, 31 Harbor Lane, Brooksville.

Anyone wishing to make donations in Bob’s memory should consider contributing to the University of Miami, Robert C. Strauss and Camilla M. Cochrane Scholar in Engineering Endowed Scholarship.

TRENTON

John (Johnny) A. Remick

Comic, Actor and Author

John was born May 20, 1963, in Brunswick and died at home in Trenton on Dec. 23, 2018, after a long battle with cancer.

Below are John’s own words as presented in his book “Here, There, and All Over the Place” under the heading “About the Author”:

“Johnny Remick is a Maine native, whose life has taken him, literally, from coast to coast … and back again.”

Johnny spent nearly half his life in Michigan. After graduating from Alma H.S. in 1981, he received his bachelor’s from Adrian College in 1986 with a degree in theater. In 1988, he attended Specs Howard Broadcasting School and began establishing himself as a “voiceover talent.” In 1990, he became a professional standup comedian/impressionist out of Detroit, until moving to Los Angeles, in 2006 to pursue an acting career.

From 2007-2017 he was a security officer at a high-rise for many Hollywood elite. He officially retired as a comedian in July of 2007.

After 18-years making folks laugh from the stage he continued acting in commercials and writing for (and with) some of his comedian pals. He moved back to Maine in August of 2017 to focus on writing.

Johnny was raised by two loving parents, Oscar and Emma, who taught him to embrace life with love, compassion and humor.

In addition to a sense of humor (mostly from the Remick side), Johnny also had a strong sense of self as well as a profound sense of responsibility and loyalty to others. He respected and appreciated the power of words and how they can cut, heal, make one laugh, cry, think and feel.

In 2013, he created a Facebook page titled “Make a Right Turn for Peace” www.facebook.com/makearightturnforpeace/, a nonpartisan universal grassroots movement with the positive message of love, peace, understanding, forgiveness and humor.

He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Oscar and Emma Remick. He is survived by his brother Paul; brother Mark and his wife, Nancy, and their children: Amy; Megan; Leah; Amanda; Ben; and McKenzie; as well as his great-nephew Eli and great-niece Savannah; Aunt Loretta Remick Tracy; cousins Mike Jones; Joel (Janie) Jones; Jan (Danny) Studdard; Julie Tilden; Andrea Tilden (Eric Thomas), and Sarah (Scott) Warner, Jim and John Karst, Linda Reger and Marilyn Wensing. Extended family includes Susan Dietz and William “Willc” Clifton.

A very heartfelt thank you to John’s health care team: Ruth Tainter and the staff of Mary Dow Cancer Center, who were instrumental in extending John’s life.

A celebration of John’s life is being planned for May 2019 in Shepard, Mich. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity or cause of your choosing. The family encourages supporting the following organizations: www.asoldierschild.org; https://www.bethwrightcancercenter.org/ ; http://friendsinactionellsworth.org/; and your local Rotary International Club.

Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

HOLDEN

Sheila G. Varnum, 78, died Dec. 19, 2018, at home in Holden, after a five-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was born May 11, 1940, in Oswesrty, Shropshire, England, the daughter of Grace W. Beddow. At the age of 6, she, her mother and 2-year-old brother, Gailen, came to America, settling in Blue Hill.

After a period of hard times, her mother met and married Lester Pettengill. Sheila and Gailen became a part of a blended Pettengill family to which a brother, Rodney, was born to that marriage.

Sheila was educated in the Blue Hill school system and graduated from George Stevens Academy. She also completed a course of study at the Golden School of Beauty Culture in Portland.

She married Donald Varnum, July 5, 1959. They had two children, Randall and Lori. She was a “stay-at-home mother” with their children until they were school age. Then she was hired as a cook at Holden School, becoming the cook manager. She was known for baking mouth-watering yeast bread and delicious meals for the children and staff, retiring with 26 years of service.

She was well known as “the pie lady,” making pies for anyone whom she thought needed an unsolicited gift. She made prize-winning pies for the Blue Hill Fair and the local churches. She always made a pie for dessert when she and Don had friends for dinner.

She became a naturalized citizen May 10, 1965. She was thrilled to be able to vote and never missed an opportunity to do so. She had an amazing ability to recall names of people, places, and events that happened, even years ago relating to her early years in England. Rarely did she miss sending a birthday, anniversary or get-well card to a friend.

She is survived by her husband, Donald; daughter, Lori Parenteau, her husband, Richard; grandchildren, Amanda and Alexander; daughter-in-law, Lauri; granddaughter, Victoria, her husband Dan Lerback; great-granddaughter, Ankia; brother-in-law, Royce and his wife, Margery, and son, Cody, his wife, Melissa; brother, Rodney Pettengill, his wife Rania, son, Aaron, and his wife, Jenny; daughter, Ann, her husband, William Rioux; members of her blended family, Betty Dill and Joan Pettengill; aunts, Gwen Suckley, Phyll Beddow; many cousins and their families in England, many friends including, Drucy, Elaine, Sally, Olive, Virginia, and a long list of others whose lives she has touched.

She was predeceased by her mother; son, Randall; stepfather, Lester; brother, Gailen; members of her blended family and many relatives in England.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Community Health Care and Counseling Service Hospice (CHCS) for the wonderful care that Sheila was given under trying circumstances. They tended to both her medical and spiritual needs along with those of the family. They were a blessing.

Graveside services will be conducted at Rural Cemetery in Sedgwick on May 11, 2019, at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow at the South Blue Hill Central Hall.

Those who wish to remember Sheila in a special way may make gifts in her memory to CHCS HOSPICE, 42 Cedar St., P.O. Box 425, Bangor, ME 04402-0425. Or to the Salvation Army, 65 South Park St., P.O. Box 1101, Bangor ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at Memoriail-Alternatives.com.

BLUE HILL

Scott Milliken started each morning with a cup of coffee, a cigarette and a crossword puzzle. He leisurely finished all three, and then went about his daily tasks of loving and delighting in people.

Often, this would involve tending to his house; ensuring it was ready at a moment’s notice to host absolutely anyone who might stop by. Occasionally, it would mean writing letters to local newspapers, making phone calls to friends or driving great lengths to meet and spend time with family. Invariably, pool was involved.

On his days off, he would aim to have as much fun as possible. He traveled extensively, laughed heartily and lived unapologetically. From youth, he had two stated aims: he desired to be a writer, at which he excelled. He also wanted to be a hobo. He enjoyed a frugal life of adventure and successfully crossed the continent of North America on three occasions by the extensive exercise of his thumb. Scott refused to follow any social constructs of “should” or “shouldn’t,” and instead insisted on following the impulses of his heart.

Therein lay his humble wisdom: His impulses were to make everyone happy, and he was often (impossibly) successful. He opened his heart with abandon. He was immediately available to help in a crisis; to offer sage advice, a listening ear and practical handiwork. He carried himself with self-effacing humility and goofiness, and emanated love for everyone he encountered.

Scott (aka Uncle Tooter, Scoot Booty, Papa Squat, Tootsky) was born in Chicago on July 9, 1954, to John Floyd and Elizabeth Willcox Milliken. He was the fourth of five children. He spent his childhood in Winnetka, Ill. His summers were in East Blue Hill, where he acquired his love of Maine. Scott went on to the St. George’s School in Newport, R.I., making lifelong friends and graduating in 1973. He bounced from college to college, and graduated (with more lifelong friends) from the University of Maine-Orono with a degree in journalism.

Scott built his life on kindness, humor and relationships. He could always be found with an inviting smile, a ready joke and an offer to buy the next round (though the latter with playful begrudging). He was happiest with his siblings and in-laws, his children and his friends. His home was regularly filled with friends and family, and he never hesitated to invite in someone new. If they were willing to play a game of pool with him, all the better.

Scott was a loving and affectionate son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather and friend.

He died peacefully on Dec. 22 after complications from emergency heart surgery, with family by his side.

He is survived by his four siblings and their spouses and partners — Amelia and Tim Small, Jeff and Karen Milliken, Mark Milliken and Brenda Dorian and Alida and John Zimmerman; his three children and their partners — Lucas and Annie Gonzalez Milliken, Nina Milliken and Jesse Wessel and Molly Milliken and Tylor Highter; his sweetheart, Maggie Garfield; and his grandchildren Moira and Tilden. If you throw a rock in Blue Hill, you are liable to hit one of his surviving cousins. He has 11 nephews and nieces, and several grand-nephews and nieces. There are also countless friends he considered family.

A farewell pahhhhh-tay will be held at Barncastle in Blue Hill on Jan. 13, starting at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, vote third party.

STONINGTON

Mary Elizabeth Hutchinson, 78, passed away peacefully on Nov. 25, 2018. She was born May 20, 1940, in Stonington, the daughter of Stephen Green Gray and Edna Helena Bray Gray. Mary graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1958 and a member of the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools. She married Archie Earl Hutchinson Jr. in 1959.

As a young girl she spent summers on Yorks Island with her family. She loved the ocean and spent many days fishing with her father for lobster. She also enjoyed playing music on her accordion and piano. In later years, after marrying Archie, they lobster fished and played music together while also enjoying their time at home.

Mary had many friends and family whom she loved and also a very special love for her five grandchildren, with whom she spent many joy filled hours.

Mary was predeceased by her husband in 2001 and also her father in 1999. She is survived by her mother, Edna Gray; sister Priscilla Davis and her husband, Harry; son Stephen Hutchinson and his wife, Susan; daughter Diane Hutchinson Evasius and her husband, Mark; five grandchildren, Bryant Rice, Elizabeth Rice, Hannah Hutchinson, Mary Anne Hutchinson and Abigail Hutchinson; and many special nephews, nieces, cousins, three sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law; and also many special friends.

At Mary’s request there will be no services. Mary wanted all her friends and family to remember her as they last spent time with her.

YARMOUTH

Judith Anne Bates Haynes of Yarmouth died at home on Dec. 30. She was born in Guilford on Feb. 15, 1939, the daughter of William L. and Betty Mae (Drake) Bates. She attended public schools in Guilford and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Maine in 1961 with a BA in Medical Technology. Judy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Judy was gifted at the art of creating a home. She provided a sense of welcome, warmth and hospitality that were gifts to many. Whether it was to the cottage at Shady Nook in Trenton or to their home in Yarmouth, Judy’s invitations were treasured. Judy had a unique way of providing a sense of belonging that crossed all generations. She extended that welcome to her children’s friends, their spouses and scores of others. She increased that feeling of home by always providing good things to eat. Her desire was that all felt included.

Judy was an avid reader, a passionate Red Sox fan, a competitive mahjong player and a talented tennis partner. Judy also loved all of the arts, and supported many local organizations. In her sewing room and basement, she expressed her creative ability. She made beautiful gifts of quilts and other items for family, friends, and for church fairs. She often invited others to work along with her in such endeavors.

Judy was a person of faith, and the church was a huge part of her life. She took to heart the words found in Micah 6:8. “What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” In often quiet, but powerful ways, Judy worked hard to live into those words. Her generosity in outreach was only surpassed by her generosity of spirit. She had a soft spot for those who struggled along the way. Her thoughtfulness of others touched many.

Her involvement made any community of which she was a part stronger. She helped create The Caring Connection at First Parish Church in Yarmouth, which provides care for those in the church in need, with visits, cards and meals, and also provides receptions following funerals.

Her impact was also felt at the Union Congregational Church in North Reading, Mass., and the Presbyterian Church in Bedford, N.Y.

Judy was a person who cared deeply about the people and the organizations in her life. She had high standards for us, which helped us to reach our potential. What made these expectations reachable was that they were partnered with her grace and her care; an amazing combination. Judy loved life, loved God’s creation, loved a meal shared and laughter expressed. Judy was a person who expressed gratitude freely and often. She was a person who held great wisdom. Of all the things she treasured, her family was at the top of the list. She will be deeply missed.

Judy is survived by her lifelong companion and husband of more than 57 years, Peter; her sons and their wives, Jeffrey and Beverly, Timothy and Jessa, Christopher and Yuki; her Italian “exchange” son Federico Orsino; seven grandchildren and her brother Jerry and wife, Hope. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother John.

A celebration of her life will be held at The First Parish Congregational Church in Yarmouth, located at 116 Main St. on Thursday, Jan. 10, at 11 a.m. The service will be followed by a reception at Camp Hammond at 275 Main St, Yarmouth.

In lieu of flowers, people are invited to make a contribution to Friends of Kakamega, 51 Hunter Road, Freeport, ME 04032 or Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine, 250 Brackett St., Portland, ME 04102.

Washington County

Neal R. Fitzsimmons, 74, of Lubec, Dec. 10, at Bangor. Service Dec. 29, West Lubec United Methodist Church.

Bertha W. Johnson, 89, of Baring Plantation, Dec. 24, at Calais Regional Hospital. Memorial service Dec. 29, Mays Funeral Home, Calais.

James Patrick Kelley III, 60, of Calais, Dec. 31 at Calais Regional Hospital. Celebration of life 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, Mays Funeral Home, Calais.

Linden Hollis Perry, 77, of Milbridge, Dec. 19 at his home. Service 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, Milbridge Elementary School.

Dorothy R. Weiss, 90, of Harrington, Dec. 25.

Hancock County

Hilda Lillian Bertlett Ashe Antonetti, 92, of Sorrento, Dec. 24. Summer interment, Doanes Point Cemetery, Sorrento.

Carroll H. Austin, 91, of Ellsworth, Dec. 22 at Thornton Hall Assisted Living Center, Brunswick. Gathering noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, Family Reception Center, Brookings-Smith, Bangor.

Bruce William Bicknell, 77, of Tucson, Ariz., formerly of Mount Desert Island, Dec. 19, at his home.

Ruthetta Jane Mason Bishop, 83, of Orland, Dec. 21. Service Dec. 29, Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, Bucksport.

Don Eldon Coates, 97, of Mount Desert and Orono, Dec. 23, at Dirigo Pines Retirement Community, Orono. Celebration of life 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, Church of Universal Fellowship, Orono. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery, Northeast Harbor.

Robert H. Curtis, 92, of Ellsworth, Dec. 24, at Ellsworth. Funeral service 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, Bucksport, reception, Verona Island Town Hall.

Joan Karen Dasmann, 76, of Bar Harbor, Dec. 23, at Mount Desert Island Hospital. April celebration of life, California.

Judith Anne Bates Haynes, 79, of Trenton and Yarmouth, Dec. 30, at her Yarmouth home. Celebration of life 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, The First Parish Congregational Church, Yarmouth, reception following, Camp Hammond, Yarmouth.

Jennifer Mae Howatt, 53, of Ellsworth, Dec. 27, at her Downeast Horizons home. Spring graveside service, Riverside Cemetery, Newport.

Pamela Dorothy (Brookings) Hutchins, 68, of Orland, Dec. 10. Graveside service at later date.

Mary Elizabeth Hutchinson, 78, of Stonington, Nov. 25.

Janice Lanpher, 81, of Orland, Dec. 25, at her home. Spring service.

Scott Milliken, 64, of Blue Hill, Dec. 22. Farewell 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, Barncastle, Blue Hill.

Robert Richard Pyle, 73, of Northeast Harbor, Dec. 25. Service 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, Neighborhood House, Northeast Harbor.

John A. Remick, 55, of Trenton, Dec. 23 at his home. Celebration of life in May, Shepard, Mich.

Robert Curtiss Strauss, 77, of Brooksville, Dec. 9. Celebration of life 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 31 Harbor Lane, Brooksville.

Sheila G. Varnum, 78, of Holden, Dec. 19, at her home. Graveside service 1 p.m. Saturday, May 11, Rural Cemetery, Sedgwick.

Lucy Sara McGlew Whitmore, 80, of Hancock, Dec. 18. Celebration of life 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, Crossroads Apostolic Church, Hancock.

GOULDSBORO

Karen Densmore, age 55, passed peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018. She was born on Sept. 7, 1963, in Waltham, Mass., to Margaret and Robert Webster.

Karen had a great love for all animals, especially her dog Brody. She enjoyed gardening, watching the birds, cooking, traveling and spending her time with family and friends. Karen had a fierce spirit and fought as hard as she could against her illness to spend the most time possible with her family. She was a loving and devoted mother and wife to her son Brandon and her husband, Brian.

She is survived by her husband and son as well as her two brothers Rob and Scott Webster of Massachusetts.

She will be forever loved and missed, but is resting easy now.

Karen asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

TRENTON

Pamelia Markwood Neff, 57, of Trenton died unexpectedly on Dec. 26, 2018, while with her husband, Craig Neff, and his family celebrating the holidays in Roxbury, Conn. She was a universally adored, vibrant, loving, energetic, extraordinarily creative artist and big-picture thinker with a passion for protecting wildlife, habitats and the planet. She and her husband invented and ran The Naturalist’s Notebook, the award-winning nature-and-science exploratorium-shop-museum in Seal Harbor, which she conceived and viewed as a unique type of interactive, educational, experiential art installation.

Pamelia, also known as Pammie, was born Feb. 6, 1961, in Elizabeth, N.J. Because of her engineer father’s job assignments, she grew up in many places, including England (she loved all things British), Italy, California, Illinois and New Jersey. She spent nearly every summer exploring the low-tide zone at her mother’s cottage at Shady Nook in Trenton and developed a lifelong passion for nature, animals and protecting the environment. Her mom’s cottage had been passed down by Pamelia’s great grandfather Scott S. Estey, who for years owned the Pioneer Farm in Ellsworth and (as Pammie proudly told people) was Maine’s 1948 Farmer of the Year.

After attending Muhlenberg College and duCret School of Art, Pamelia pursued a career as a painter in New Jersey and New York City, where she lived for more than 20 years in Tribeca, Soho and Greenwich Village. In the 1980s, she developed a global art project called Masterpeace. She recruited prominent painters from dozens of countries to each do a painting that featured the color cobalt blue, representing Earth and the need for a harmonious connection among all who live on it, non-human species included.

In addition to painting fine-art pieces while in New York, she gave her time and energy to creating theater backdrops and public-space murals. One of them, at P.S. 41 in Manhattan, inspired students (including future actress Scarlett Johansson) to write her memorable thank-you notes. Pamelia and her dear artist friend Kathy Coe (who sometimes worked together as the team Markwood & Coe) painted a multi-scene mural for the entry of Gilda’s Club, a support center in Manhattan for cancer patients and their families and friends that was created in memory of comedian Gilda Radner. Pamelia and Kathy worked closely with Radner’s husband, Gene Wilder, in designing it.

Pamelia met her future husband while teaching youngsters to paint their plain T-shirts, helmets and sneakers with their own designs for a feature story in Sports Illustrated For Kids magazine, of which Craig was then the editor. Two of the magazine’s staffers later served as matchmakers. On Sept. 2, 1995, Pamelia and Craig were married at high tide behind her mother’s cottage, with Moxie, one of several beloved dogs (and cats) Pamelia had over the years, as ring-bearer.

Pamelia was inseparable from her husband, who shared her love of learning and was her constant companion and creative partner. The two explored much of the planet, including both the Arctic and Antarctic, and she shot photographs to accompany the travel-magazine articles he wrote (apart from his job as a Sports Illustrated writer and editor). She took the photographs, including the cover shot, for the acclaimed book An Artist’s Handbook, by another close friend, Margaret Krug of the Whitney Museum and the Parsons School of Design.

In 2008, Pamelia and Craig began converting a small, creaky, century-old building in Seal Harbor into The Naturalist’s Notebook. They hoped to use the interactions, installations and intelligent books and merchandise for sale in the three floors of the space to inspire others of all ages to learn more about nature and science, including the 13.8-billion-year history of the universe. Pamelia playfully dubbed the Notebook “a space for everyone who’s even a little curious about the last 13.8 billion years (give or take).” That became the Notebook’s slogan.

In more than a decade of tireless work on the Notebook, Pamelia arranged nature-art classes for both children and adults, mentored young collaborators, gave visitors exuberant personal tours and explanations, and invented an amazing succession of games and displays. They ranged from Hominid Foosball (before her death she had been painting each plastic player in a foosball game as a different type of early human) to Extinction Roulette (a gaming wheel devoted to endangered species) to an innovative, spectrum-color-coded timeline of the universe’s 13.8-billion-year history, which she developed after meeting with prominent scientists from around the country.

Over time, Pamelia and Craig made every room in the Notebook into an immersive environment — from a forest to the ocean to the surface of the Moon — as part of Pamelia’s vision of creating what she called the world’s first 13.8-billion-year building. She was a visionary in finding creative ways to convey the vast scales of time and space. She felt those were needed for people to fully grasp and appreciate nature, how it evolved and works, and humans’ biological connection to every other organism. The more people learned, she believed, the more they would work to protect our precious planet and everything that lives on it.

Her energy and innovative thinking led both Acadia National Park and the Schoodic Institute to ask her to serve on art-and-science committees. The latter named her a Schoodic Scholar. At the invitation of organizers of the TEDx Dirigo conference, Pamelia and Craig devised a temporary outdoor 13.8-billion-year learning trail at Bates College. Each of the 24 interactive timeline stations was a different color, in spectrum order. Pamelia loved color in all things, among them clothing, food (she and Craig studied on Saturdays for six months at the French Culinary Institute in New York and she invented spectrum-colored dinners for them) and the dahlias she grew, drew and painted for the last 25 years.

Pamelia was predeceased by her mother, Pam Markwood Voris, who died in 2009, and her father, Bill Markwood, who died in 1984. She is survived by her husband, Craig Neff; their adored rescue dog, Rocky; her brother, Scott Markwood of Prospect Harbor and his wife, Cherrie, and daughter, Sarah; her entire Voris step-family; her brother-in-law, Brian Neff, and his wife, Heidi, of Roxbury, Conn.; her parents-in-law, Jean and Henry Neff, of Roxbury, Conn.; her nephew, Todd Neff, and wife Silvia and daughter Julia of Houston, Texas; niece Jenny Neff Alley, husband Doug and daughter Harper of Waterbury, Conn.; the Markwood family of Virginia and North Carolina; and many good friends not just in the U.S. but also in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, England, France, Greece, Italy and Russia.

No memorial is currently planned. Everyone is invited to visit The Naturalist’s Notebook in Seal Harbor next summer to enjoy Pamelia’s work and passion. All are also encouraged to take a hike through nature in her memory, draw a nature picture (especially if you don’t think you can), or to make a donation to a scholarship fund that has been set up in her name at College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, which strongly emphasizes ecology and protecting the planet and has been named America’s greenest college. (Please note “Pamelia Markwood Neff Scholarship” on contributions made by check or through the COA website.)

Pamelia had the shining personality to persuade serious scientists to skip with her arm-in-arm, to get 90-year-old cancer patients to laugh and play games with her, to coax the superintendent of Acadia National Park (among many others) to don silly eyeglasses. She brought more love to the world than could ever be measured. More than once she organized roomfuls of scientists, naturalists, business leaders or friends in an exuberant “Supernova!” cheer. She was, herself, the brightest of supernovas.

CHERRYFIELD

Nancy Jo Perry, 59, passed away peacefully Dec. 28, 2018, at her family home in Cherryfield. She was born in Bangor, June 8, 1959, the daughter of Barney I. and Gertrude M. (Dorr) Smith; one of 10 children.

She graduated from Narraguagus High School, Class of 1978. She excelled and enjoyed basketball, archery, bowling, cooking, nursing and racing cars. Following graduation she married the love of her life, Michael A. Perry of Cherryfield. They lived happily together for 38 years. Her passions and hobbies included fast cars, good music, making jewelry, leaving family and friends in stitches with laughter and raising her two beautiful children, Benjamin and Molly Perry. Nancy Jo was many things to many people. Her electric and witty personality will be remembered dearly by her survived loved ones.

Nancy is survived by her beloved husband; their children, Ben and Molly Perry of Cherryfield; grandchildren, Mariah A. Golding of Ellsworth and Jordison T. Riddle of Cherryfield; brother, Randy Smith of Milbridge; sister, Linda Duncan of Steuben; many nieces and nephews that adored her. She was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Bobby, Eddie, Kingsley, Dougy, Larry and Barney Smith Jr.; little sister, Wendy Smith.

A special thanks on behalf of Nancy’s loved ones to CHCS Home Health and Hospice for all their care.

Arrangements by Acadia Burial & Cremation Direct, 248 State St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at www.acadiacremation.com.

GOULDSBORO

Paul Richard Joy, 73, of Gouldsboro passed away Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, at Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital in Ellsworth surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Paul was born Feb. 17, 1945, to Robert and Louisa (Mitchell) Joy in Bath, the youngest of four children. He spent much of his life in Gouldsboro, where the Joy family hails from, living on the Joy Road aptly named for his forebears.

He attended Sumner Memorial High School in Sullivan, graduating in the Class of 1962. Immediately following high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) as a young brash teenager. He would often tell family and friends that it did not take him long to grow up and mature in boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., as the drill sergeants literally knocked the “arrogance” right out of him. In 1963, while stationed in Lakehurst, N.J., for parachute rigging school, which would be his profession for the duration of his enlistment, he met and married Linda Ann Kiel, who would become his life partner and love for the next 55 years.

During his enlistment, he was ordered to Vietnam in support of the war effort, as part of VMF (AW) 235 Death Angels Squadron. Though proud of his service to country, he seldom spoke of his overseas tour. In 1966, Cpl. Joy returned home after his four-year enlistment expired to start the next chapter of his life with his young family that had grown from a wife to the addition of two children, John William and June Darlene.

Following in the footsteps of his beloved father, Robert Joy, he started down a career path in construction. He worked for Bridge Construction for many years as a heavy equipment operator, and though he had a natural talent for operating equipment and enjoyed his job, it required travel and weeks away from his family, which had grown to include a third child, Janean Marie. It was during this time that Paul shifted his career goals and took a chance on opening his own business, Joy Construction, which flourished for 35 years. When asked what he did for a living he would reply “I’m a construction excavator contractor,” but he was so much more than an equipment operator; he was the essence of Joy Construction. His expertise and skill as an equipment operator were unparalleled. This expertise and his commitment to providing quality work earned him a phenomenal reputation and consistent repeat customers. As years passed, he did not have to advertise his company to solicit for work; all hires were done by word of mouth referrals from satisfied patrons.

Paul took great pride in his work and genuinely cared about his customers and jobs. What started as customer/contractor relationships would conclude with new lifelong friendships. Paul was one of those people who were instantly likeable. His quick wit, jovial personality and welcoming nature were an instant draw for anyone who came into contact with him.

While operating Joy Construction, he and Linda embarked on a second journey to own and operate a convenience store, PJ’s Grocery. The store was an amalgamation of services including the offer of gas, groceries, a lunch counter and recreational area that offered pool and arcade games. Many Saturday and Sunday afternoons, Paul could be found there playing pool with local residents. Patrons may stop by for gas or groceries, but would stay and chat with Paul, who always had time to converse with a friend

In later years, Paul and Linda became snowbirds, spending winters in Florida, which Paul thoroughly enjoyed, as it afforded him new opportunities to make friends and engage in friendly, but competitive shuffleboard and cribbage matches.

Paul was an amazing, caring, committed family man who spent his entire life working hard to provide for them. As a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he embodied all that is good and kind in this world.

Over the years, Paul could often be found in his garage in Gouldsboro, tinkering with equipment. He spent countless hours mowing his vast property and took great pride in maintaining several acres of land. Besides working outside, Paul was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time at his son’s garage playing cribbage. He would often visit his daughter in southern Maine, enjoying her company, and telling many a tale about his times working for Bridge Construction in southern Maine and how the landscape had changed.

Though Paul spent the last six years of his life battling cancer, he never let it get him down. He refused to be defined by an illness, but instead stayed stoic and courageous the entire time. He would often say to his family that there were others out there much worse off than him and he refused to complain or feel sorry for himself. His positive attitude and humble nature is a true inspiration to all. Paul may not have won the battle with cancer, but he faced that challenge as only he would, with grace and dignity.

Paul is survived by his wife, Linda (Kiel) Joy, of 55 years, son John W. Joy and significant other Resa Beal of Gouldsboro, daughter June (Joy) Ledwith and significant other Kenneth Stuart of Cornish, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews and extended family.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Louisa Joy; two brothers, George Joy and Jack Joy; one sister, Beverly Pinkham; and his youngest, cherished daughter, Janean Joy.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, at 1 p.m. at the Knights of Pythias Hall, Route 1, Gouldsboro. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center Foundation. Under the online site, use the drop-down menu designation for EMMC Cancer Care.

A special thank you goes out to all the nurses, doctors, and staff at EMMC Cancer Care Oncology Department for the support and care these past six years. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten. Thank you to Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital for the aid and attention provided to Paul and his family during this difficult time. And lastly, thank you to all who were friends of Paul’s; he loved his family, his town, his community and his friends. He will be missed and loved always.

ELLSWORTH

     Steven M. Guptill

 August 31, 1974 – January 5, 2019

Steven M. Guptill, 44, died at his home in Ellsworth on Jan. 5, 2019, after a long illness. He was born Aug. 31, 1974, the son of Bruce W. and Jane D. Guptill.

Steven attended schools in Ellsworth. His biggest joy in life was bowling at the Ellsworth Bowling Lanes.

He is survived by his mother; his dog, Cleo; his maternal grandfather (Papa), Eric Dodge; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Bruce; paternal grandparents, Linwood and Mary Guptill; and maternal grandmother, Florence Dodge.

There will be no services.

SORRENTO

Helen “Dibby” Webber died peacefully on Dec. 20 at the age of 98 at Seaport Village, where she received gentle and respectful care. Helen was the daughter of Howard Barton and Helen Flood Barton. Her childhood was spent in Cleveland and she attended Radcliffe College, where she met George “Bill” Webber. They were married on Aug. 27, 1943. Upon graduation from college, Helen joined the WAVES.

When World War II ended, Helen and Bill moved to New York City and lived at Union Theological Seminary, where Bill was a student. Helen received an MA degree in English literature from Columbia in 1949. In 1952, Helen and Bill bought a summer home in Sorrento and spent a portion on every summer there until Bill’s death in 2010. In the spring of 1957, Helen and Bill moved their family to East Harlem and became members of the group ministry of the East Harlem Protestant Parish. Within a year, Helen had founded the East Harlem Tutorial Program, which thrives to this day. From 1973-1986, Helen served as the first female executive director of the Health and Welfare Division of the Board of Homeland Ministries at the National Office of the United Church of Christ.

At the age of 93, Helen moved to Sorrento to live with her daughter Peggy and husband, Al. Helen will be remembered for her great love of music, books, sailing, rowing and island picnics, for her commitment to the education of the children of East Harlem and for her efforts to make this country and this world a fairer, more just place.

She is survived by her five children and their husbands and wives, 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

ELLSWORTH

Shawn Gerald Dyer, beloved husband, father and son, 45, of Ellsworth passed away suddenly Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019. Shawn was born March 20, 1973, to Scott and Marjorie (Kief) Dyer of Steuben.

Shawn was a loyal employee of Wesmac Custom Boats, as a Boat Boss. He was an avid snowmobiler enjoying hitting the trail with his dad, his brother and Rebecca. He loved packing the family and the camper and heading out to a new destination and adventure. He and Rebecca spent many happy hours enjoying the Fly-In, Antique stores and flea markets, but mostly they enjoyed relaxing together by a fire. He was Rebecca’s very best friend. Shawn had a quiet but deep faith and he will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his parents, Scott Dyer and Erin of Winslow and Marjorie Butler and Ernie of Hancock, his beloved wife, Rebecca, of Ellsworth. Children Alisha Colby Dyer and Dylan of Orland, Dakota Chipman of Ellsworth, Karli Dyer and Spencer of Southwest Harbor, Mackenzie Chipman of Ellsworth and Mackenzie Dyer of Hancock. Brother Scott Dyer Jr. and Christie of Hancock, niece Toni Dyer, nephews Ricky, Spencer, Caleb, Isaac and Jason Dyer, all of Hancock, several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents Scott and Beatrice Dyer of Steuben and Gerald and Rose Kief of Hancock.

Calling hours will be Friday, Jan. 11, from 5-7 p.m. at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. A service of remembrance will be Saturday, Jan. 12, at 10 a.m. at Bible Baptist Church, Route 1 Hancock, with Pastor William Sommerville officiating. Interment at Hillcrest Cemetery, Hancock. Following the committal, there will be a gathering at the church for refreshments.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

MILBRIDGE

Joshua Laurel Dube of Milbridge, born on June 19, 1998, to Jeffrey and Kimberly (Shaw) Dube in Presque Isle, died tragically on Jan. 4, 2019.

Joshua was a beautiful young man with an infectious laugh and smile; he had many hopes and dreams for the future. He had a passion for animals, loved four-wheeling with his twin brother Jake. Joshua suffered from severe anxiety, so he looked forward to just hanging out with his two best friends, Dad and Jake. He also enjoyed joking around with big brother Andrew, playing on Xbox with him. But Mom was his biggest fan and supporter. He had so much life to live and was taken too soon.

He is survived by his parents, Jeffery and Kimberly Dube of Milbridge, brothers Andrew and Jacob Dube and fiancée Darian Goston of Milbridge. Uncles Jeffrey and wife, Cindy Shaw, of Arizona, Greg and wife, Theresa Shaw, of Presque Isle, Mike and Karen Dube from Augusta, Aunts Janet and husband, Robert Fitzmaurice, of Washburn, Michelle and husband, Aaron Libby, of Caribou, Grandmother Loretta Dube of Cherryfield and many cousins who loved him very much, and the two loves of his life, Briana Lunt and dog Milo.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Nana and Papa Shaw, paternal Grampy Dube and aunt Roberta Dube.

There will be a memorial service for him at the Faith Bible Fellowship Church on the Back Bay Road in Milbridge on Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. and a small gathering for refreshments afterward. Please feel free to share your stories with us. I want to say thank you to the very special community I live in for being so supportive, especially my family at Milbridge Medical Center.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Milbridge.

HANCOCK AND LAKELAND, FLA.

Richard E. Dickson, 75, died peacefully on Jan. 5, 2019, after a brief illness with his adoring wife of 45 years, Karen, by his side.

He loved to hunt and fish. He was an avid Atlantic salmon fisherman and enjoyed his many trips to Canada with his buddies — even though there may or may not have been any fish. Richard had a successful career in banking and retired as vice president. In between his financial careers, he experienced his most favorite job of all in law enforcement. He started as a patrolman with the Ellsworth Police Department and then as chief deputy of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. He has entertained many friends, both old and new, with his many stories of his time on the job. He served as selectman for the town of Hancock, was the first president of the Union Salmon Association and was a member of the David A Hooper Lodge No. 201 AF & AM.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; his daughters, Kelli Mellion (Kansas) and Elizabeth Hale (Maryland); sisters, Joan Hildreth of Hancock and Jean Dickson of Holden; his nephew, Carle (Colorado) and nieces, Jessica (Rhode Island) and Rebekah (Massachusetts) and their children. He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Arlyne Dickson of Bangor and his sister Jane Pezzullo of Providence, R.I. As his niece will tell you, Richard knew it wasn’t all about studying hard or working hard, it was also about having lots of fun and driving fast cars.

A special thank you to the staff of Good Shepherd Hospice for their caring and compassionate attention. If desired, donations can be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 3470 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL 338805.

A private service will be held at a later date.

ELLSWORTH

Dorothy W. Sparks, 93, of Sullivan and Quincy, Mass., died Jan. 6, 2019, with her family by her side. Dorothy was the much-loved wife of Harold B. Sparks. She is survived by her children Robert Sparks and his wife, Connie, of Canton, Mass., William Sparks of Colrain, Mass., and Bonnie Sparks and her husband, Hugo Diaz, of Sullivan; grandchildren Caitlin, Mikaela, Wilder, Kindred, Amanda and Georgie; great-grandchildren Isabel, Theodore, Vivian, Matilda, Angelo, Knight, Amelia, and Finley; special friend and helper Marlene Walker; and many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

Born in Quincy, Mass., on July 26, 1925, she was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Harold Sparks, her parents, Edward and Dorothy M. Reid, her brothers Robert, Richard and William Reid, sister Barbara Zopatti and son-in-law George Schaefer. Dorothy grew-up and lived in the Hough’s Neck section of Quincy for 78 years, until moving to Maine in 2009.

She loved her family without question, without condition; their well-being and success was her happiness. As grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived her happiness was multiplied. To her last days the presence of little ones would bring a smile to her face.

Dorothy’s tenacious spirit was forged by her role as the big sister helping to raise four siblings. As a young woman that spirit persisted, as she contributed to the WWII effort as a “Rosie” at the shipyard in Quincy. Her heart and spirit was fed by years of volunteering. She was a vital member of the Hough’s Neck Congregational Church where she served as a lifelong member of the diaconate, Christian education, choir, Mothers & Others Club, Mr. and Mrs. Club and the church Scholarship Committee. Her organizational skills extended to community service with hospice, hospital volunteer chaplaincy, Protestant Social Service Bureau, PTA and a myriad of youth organizations.

Dorothy found joy in music, nature and poetry. When she moved to Sullivan, she spent long hours at her sunny kitchen window watching her garden bloom and observing the birds at her feeder and along the shore.

A memorial service will be held this spring at the Hough’s Neck Congregational Church in Quincy. Donations in her memory can be given to the Hough’s Neck Congregational Church Building Fund, 310 Manet Ave., Quincy, MA 02169.

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

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.