vMichael P. “Gilly” Gilmartin. Pamala Jean “Pam” Morrison-Colby. James “Jim” Robert Robinson.

Nov 09, 2025

Note: “People We’ve Lost” is a feature of the Bar Harbor Story where we share obituaries of people that the island lost in the previous 1-2 weeks.

We’re doing this because we think everyone deserves to be remembered as widely as possible and not behind paywalls or at a cost of $500 for people mourning. We’re free.

If you have an obituary for a loved one or friend that you can’t afford to place in other spaces, please let us know, and we’ll share it here for you.

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Michael P. “Gilly” Gilmartin

Trenton

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael P. Gilmartin, affectionately known as Gilly, who died at his home in Trenton, Maine, just shy of his 77th birthday. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Michael’s spirit has found rest, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and adventure.

Born in New Rochelle, New York, Michael was the cherished son of Robert J. and Carol (Burnham) Gilmartin. He graduated from Wilton High School in 1967, where he was affectionately dubbed the “most loveable” student—a title that would follow him throughout his life. After spending two years at Monmouth College in Illinois, he dedicated himself to the craft of building residential homes, leaving his mark on communities up and down the East Coast.

In 1974, Michael met the love of his life, Starr Cutler, during her summers on Mount Desert Island. Their shared passion for the outdoors and adventure led them to explore breathtaking destinations from South America to South Africa. In August 1977, Michael and Starr married in Bar Harbor, solidifying a partnership that would span over five decades.

In pursuit of their love for nature, Michael and Starr returned to Maine with their young children, where he built their family home in Trenton. Michael’s career in the residential building industry flourished, but his talents expanded to include commercial establishments in construction of the Gull Building in Bar Harbor. Later he would remodel homes of his friends, build his daughter’s home in Maine and after retirement took up building furniture for others to enjoy. His commitment to his community was evident through his volunteer work at the local school, his focus on protecting the local environment and his efforts to bring solar energy to the town. Michael’s warm and engaging personality allowed him to forge friendships with many, as he had a remarkable ability to strike up conversations with anyone he met.

Michael’s zest for life was infectious, and his enduring love for his family was evident in everything he did. He is survived by his beloved wife, Starr, with whom he shared 51 wonderful years; his two children, Justin Gilmartin and his wife, Sophia, of Newbury, MA, and Megan Gilmartin of Leeds, Maine; and his three brothers, Robert Gilmartin of Suwanee, GA, Kerry Gilmartin of Hampden, CT, and Kevin Gilmartin of Newport, NC.

Though Michael did not live to meet his first grandchild, expected in November, his spirit will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who loved him. He will be remembered for his boundless love, his adventurous spirit, and his unwavering kindness.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to share stories and honor the remarkable man he was. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made Frenchman’s Bay Conservancy https://frenchmanbay.org/ or Somes Meynell Sanctuary Somes Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary | Wildlife Conservation and Education in the Somes Pond-Long Pond Watershed and Beyond in Michael’s memory.

Rest in peace, dear Michael. Your love and laughter will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com

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Pamala Jean “Pam” Morrison-Colby

Trenton

Pamala Jean Morrison-Colby, 60, died unexpectedly October 26, 2025 at MDI Hospital. She was born February 23, 1965, in Ellsworth, the daughter of Charles G. and Cynthia L. (Danico) Morrison.

Pamala graduated from George Stevens Academy in 1983 and went on to earn her associate’s degree from the University of Maine, Machias. She was married for 30 years to Royal Colby, and the two of them were blessed with a son. Pam worked for Jackson Lab for 34 years. She loved her job working in the grants department, making lifelong friends along the way.

Pam enjoyed crafting and attending craft fairs with her lifelong friend, Jeni. She also enjoyed baking, reading, and knitting. Pam’s greatest joy in life was her son, Charlie. They were very close and she was very proud of him. Pam also had a great love of animals and adored her kitty, “Furball”.

She is survived by her beloved son, Charlie Colby; mother, Cynthia (Danico) Soales and husband, Clay; sister, Lori (Morrison) Boyd and husband, Robert; sister Jennifer Rivers and husband, Kennedy; stepdaughter, Winter Colby; grandson, J Seamus Colby; nieces and nephews, Layne, Drew, Thomas, Cecelia, Ashley, Elishia, Julia, Luke, Hazel, and Olivia; and cherished lifelong friend, Jeni Jordan-Lawser. Pam was predeceased by her husband, Royal Colby; father, Charles Morrison; stepmother, Patricia Morrison; grandmother, Marjorie Morrison; uncle, Clyde “Sonny” Morrison Jr.; and dear friend, Melanie.

Services will be announced at a later date. Gifts in Pam’s memory may be made to a local food pantry or the SPCA of Hancock County, 141 Bar Harbor Rd., Trenton, ME 04605.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

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James “Jim” Robert Robinson

Sanford and Northeast Harbor

Sept. 6, 1949-Oct. 25, 2025

James “Jim” Robert Robinson passed due to metastatic cholangiocarcinoma on Oct. 25, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Monterey, Calif., on Sept. 6, 1949, to Doris (Rensink) and Robert Robinson, Jim was a Navy brat and saw more of the world by age 16 than many people do in a lifetime, eventually settling for his teenage years at Tulalip Beach outside of Marysville, Wash.

Never content to be conventional, Jim joined the Marine Corps in 1968 and served four years in Southern California and Vietnam before discharge. After returning to the states, he met Jana Liane Smith at Everett Community College, where he won a bet to take her out on a date. They married in 1979 and moved to Saudi Arabia, traveling the world together on their breaks. Jim and Jana left Saudi in 1984 and traveled to England, where they purchased and rebuilt a fishing trawler into their houseboat, the Kullen. They sailed the Kullen across the Atlantic, eventually landing in Northeast Harbor, Maine, where they lived for the next 40 years. And somehow, an old salt from the west coast found himself at home as an old salt on the east coast.

In 1989, they welcomed their only daughter, Joanna. Their little family, nicknamed J3R3, lived in Northeast Harbor, first aboard the Kullen and then back on land. Jim taught himself woodworking skills, first by working on boats and eventually opening Details in Wood, a fine carpentry business. He worked on many homes in the area, as well as teaching himself detailed carving and wood turning.

Jim picked up motorcycle riding again in the late 90s and could often be found riding twisty back roads with his daughter in the sidecar or participating in motorcycle rallies across the country. In the fine tradition of his North Carolinian ancestors, Jim also smoked any meats he could get his hands on and made his own moonshine, known amongst friends and family as Jimsky.

Jim is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Joanna and Seth Clarke; his deeply loved ex-wife, Jana Robinson; his dear cousin, Gene Robinson; his sister and brother-in-law, Arlayne and Dave Monjay; and many chosen family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Bob & Doris; his baby sister, Holly Ann; his beloved black-and-white dog Rena; and fewer enemies than he might have wished.

A celebration of life (i.e. one last barbecue on the back deck) will be held on Nov. 15 at Joanna and Seth’s home. In lieu of flowers, please share a meal with your loved ones or buy a meal for a veteran in your community.

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