Donald Cote. Harold A. “Bubby” Boynton Sr.

Jan 25, 2026

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.

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Donald Cote

Somesville

Donald Cote, 95, of Somesville passed away peacefully on the morning of Jan. 14, 2026.

Don was born on French Island in Old Town on April 14, 1930, the son of Rosanna Baillargeon and Eugene Cote. He was one of thirteen children: seven girls and six boys. Don described his childhood as “we were poor but didn’t go hungry.”

Growing up in the outdoors hunting and fishing, Don aways dreamed of becoming a Maine Game Warden.

Graduating high school, Don took a job as a Guide at the Birches on Moosehead Lake, where he met Bea Leighton, the love of his life, and they married in 1951.

In 1953 Don became a Maine Game Warden at Northeast Carry on Moosehead Lake, then transferred to Mount Desert Island in 1957. He retired from the warden service in 1975 and took on a job as a Park Ranger in Acadia National Park.

Don made many friends over the years and numerous accomplishments from building several houses in Somesville and publishing a book of his years in the Warden Service.

He is survived by his sisters Bernice Curtis, Betty Riva (Francis), Joyce Stallings, Linda Deshane (William), Donna Hersey (Al), and brother Francis (Jeanne), sister-in-law Annette Cote, brother-in-law Gary Dearborn (Wendy), son Craig, stepson Todd Holbrook, many nieces and nephews and his best canine friend “Rusty,” who never left his side. In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by his brothers Wallace, Robert, George, and Lester, and his sisters Rita Spiess, and Theresa Toussaint.

Don’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering love touched all who knew him. He lived a meaningful and beautiful life. We will all truly miss him.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date when family can all get together.

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Harold A. “Bubby” Boynton Sr.

Lamoine

Harold A. “Bubby” Boynton Sr., 91, died January 17th, 2026, at his home in Lamoine, surrounded by close family. He was born on January 10, 1935, the son of Jerome E. and Addie C (Ryder) Boynton.

He joined the Navy at age 17, in 1952 to serve his country. He married Nancy A. (Moore) Boynton in 1962 and settled in Lamoine, where they raised four wonderful children together, and owned and operated Boynton Shellfish Company for three decades. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage before Nancy’s passing in March, 2025.

Harold was deeply committed to his community. He was a member of the Knights Templar, the Anah Shriners, and the Lygonia Masonic Lodge #40 A.F. & A.M. for over 50 years. He also worked for the Department Marine Resources testing the safety of water and shellfish. He was recognized by the town of Lamoine for his stewardship of the local environment, as he and Nancy spent many years walking along and cleaning up the roads of Lamoine.

Bubby was fiercely devoted to Nancy and is remembered for his wit, meticulous character, and kindhearted nature. He was a cherished husband, uncle, brother, father, grandfather, and neighbor. He is survived by his sister, Joanne Boynton Lambdin; sons Harold Boynton Jr; Clarence Boynton, and Thomas Boynton; daughter Dawn Boynton; his nephews and nieces; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife, Nancy A. Boynton; his siblings Russel Boynton, Nancy Jordan, and Dotty Harvey; and his parents, Jerome and Addie Boynton.

A celebration of life will be held 1pm-3pm, Friday, January 23, 2026, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Gifts of remembrance can be sent to Anah Shrine, 1404 Broadway, Bangor ME 04401.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.