Walter R. “Skippy” Dunton Sr. Leslie Diane Wilkes. Pauline “Polly” M. Dever. Bonnie Joyce Staples. Jane Marston. Willow R. Runningwater. Richard “Rick” B. Jackson.
Mar 15, 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.
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. We will also share obituaries that have been in other places, too. Just let us know.
This week, by request, we’ve started sharing obituaries from throughout Hancock County. This is a bit of a bigger lift for us, but we’ll try to keep doing it if it’s something that you all want. We all are so connected here.
Walter “Skippy” R. Dunton Sr.
Walter “Skippy” R. Dunton, Sr., 91, died March 7, 2026, at the Mt. Desert Island Hospital, Bar Harbor. He was born May 19, 1934, in Bar Harbor the son of Leslie I. and Dorothy E. (Reed) Dunton.
Skippy’s career as a lobsterman spanned nearly 70 years. Starting around 1946, his three-digit buoy #706 would be a household number to all and a front door memento to the lucky. He had a huge garbage pick up route, worked at the family store, and the butcher shop putting together orders for Christmas and Thanksgiving. He also was the postmaster for Salsbury Cove for at least 34 years. When it was time to hang up the lobster pots, one final hobby was left, gardening. He could always be found in the garden weeding, saying I grow vegetables, not weeds.
His most vivid recollections of lobstering were the day he was rowing to the next trap off Star Point near the Bio Lab when a 17-foot great white cut a 300lb. Harbor seal in two right next to him. It was confirmed by two doctors on a sailboat at the Bio Lab. Yes, Jaws in upper Frenchman Bay, that was in 1950. He ran one of the first lobster pounds in town across from the store. That building is still used today as his son’s clam shop on Route 3. He made many lifelong friendships with doctors at the MDI Bio Lab that spanned generations of kids who remember the penny candy counter at the store. But the first smell that got you was the big wheel of rat cheese just through the door, that would clear your sinuses for the day! An avid fisherman who enjoyed going to the Narraguagus River in Cherryfield, fly fishing for Atlantic Salmon as much as he did ice fishing for anything.
He loved his family. How many lobster dinners did we have and picnics too! Too many for the computer to tabulate. Clams were always on the menu as was venison occasionally. He mentioned how he loved his sister Alberta, who helped bring him up and if anybody messed with her, they would have him to deal with.
His later years were made pleasant by his lady friends, Judith Gassant, Lucille Albee, Martha Perkins, and his special friend Lacey MacQuinn. Time spent with them made life worth living.
He is survived by his sons: Walter Jr., and life partner Dawn of Trenton, Michael and David, both of Bar Harbor: grandchildren, Ocean Dunton and wife AnnMarie, Hannah Eli, and Joann Dunton; great grand-children Acadia Dunton, Addison Dunton, Chandler McGee, and Arai Dunbar; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Barbara: two brothers Irving Leslie Dunton and Clifford Dunton and two sisters, Alberta Strout and Claudine Farnsworth.
A memorial service will be held 10 a.m., March 28, 2026, at Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main Street, Mt. Desert.
Those who desire may make contributions in Skippy’s memory to Mt. Desert Island Hospital, 10 Wayman Lane, Bar Harbor, 04609 or the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, 2 Storer Street, Suite 203, Kennebunk, ME 04043.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com
Leslie Diane Wilkes
Leslie Diane Wilkes, born July 23, 1979, passed away unexpectedly last week, leaving behind a legacy of love, energy, and countless lives touched by her vibrant spirit. Those who knew Leslie will remember a life lived fully and fearlessly—someone whose warmth, drive, and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Leslie was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and she spent her early years surrounded by family and the rugged beauty of the New England coast. From a young age, her energy and passion were unmistakable. She poured herself wholeheartedly into the things she loved—her family, her friendships, playing soccer and music—bringing a spark and determination that would remain a defining part of her character throughout her life.
Leslie’s journey carried her far from her New England roots for a time, all the way to Ketchikan, Alaska, on the far west coast. Yet no matter where life took her, the Maine coast always called her home. It was there—among the ocean air, forests and quiet beauty of nature—that she felt most at peace. She especially cherished time outdoors with her beloved dog, Allie.
Leslie approached life with spiritedness and vigor that was infectious to those around her. She possessed an extraordinary work ethic and took immense pride in everything she did. That pride showed not only in her work, but also in the joy she found in bringing people together. Leslie loved cooking and took great pleasure in preparing memorable meals for friends and family, creating moments of warmth, laughter and connection around the table.
Above all, Leslie’s greatest pride and deepest love were her children, who were the center of her world.
Leslie is survived by her children, William Hinkle III, Anthony Hinkle and Oliver Wilson; her parents, Patricia Robinson, George Robinson II, and Peter Wilkes; her siblings, Angela Hews, Christy Wilkes, Nick Robinson, and Molly Robinson; and a large extended family and community of friends across the country.
Leslie lived with an extraordinary intensity and radiance, touching countless lives along the way. She burned bright, loved deeply and though her flight was far too short, the light she left behind will never fade.
Pauline “Polly” M. Dever
Pauline “Polly” M. Dever, 92, died March 5, 2026, at a Dedham health care facility. She was born May 26, 1933, in Bar Harbor, the daughter of Eugene W. and Aldena B. (Tracy) Tracy.
Polly graduated from Mount Desert High School in 1951, where she was a member of the glee club. She met her future husband, Lyle H. Dever, at a social event in Somesville in 1952, through mutual friends. Lyle, a native of Douglas County, Missouri, was transferred to the Coast Guard base in Southwest Harbor as his first duty station and they were married Feb. 4, 1954.
Due to Lyle being in the U.S. Coast Guard, they lived in Portland; back to Southwest Harbor; Bristol, Rhode Island; back to Southwest Harbor; Memphis, Tennessee; Downey, California; and finally, back to Southwest Harbor to stay in 1975.
They were members of the Congregational Church in Southwest Harbor. Polly had a variety of jobs over the years. She was a first responder with the Southwest Harbor-Tremont Nursing Association Ambulance Service in Southwest Harbor. She served as chair of the board of directors for the Southwest Harbor Tremont Nursing association. Polly also worked as a dispatcher at the Southwest Harbor Police Department. She also worked as a certified nurse’s aide; she gave care to people who needed assistance.
Polly is survived by her beloved husband of 72 years, Lyle H. Dever, and son Dennis E. Dever and wife Connie, all of Southwest Harbor.
Services will be announced in the future.
Those who desire may make contributions in Polly’s memory to the Southwest Harbor-Tremont Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 437, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
Bonnie Joyce Staples
Bonnie Joyce Staples, 83, peacefully went to be with the Lord on March 9, 2026, while surrounded by her family. Born on March 27, 1942, in Rockland, Maine, to Robert and Roberta Joyce, she spent her childhood on Swan’s Island. She cherished her island childhood and loved being on the water, working her own boat and traps at a time when few young women did. After graduating from Pemetic High School in 1960, she attended nursing school and settled in South Portland, Maine.
Bonnie dedicated many years to her career as a nurse at Maine Medical Center. She especially enjoyed working in the emergency room, where she collaborated with the ER director to develop Maine’s first poison control center. In 1990, she returned to Swan’s Island and was once again able to work at the job she truly loved: lobstering. She spent many happy hours on the water with her husband and later her daughter-in-law, until her health no longer allowed her to do so.
Even after leaving her professional nursing career, Bonnie continued to serve others. She was the first person family members called in emergencies, and she provided devoted care to her parents and husband at the end of their lives. She will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family.
A woman of deep faith, Bonnie loved the Lord and found great comfort in that faith throughout her life. She was an active member in the Advent Christian churches in Portland and on Swan’s Island, where she enjoyed singing in choirs and playing the piano. Bonnie was creative and gifted at knitting and sewing, and she loved sharing those talents with others. She was also well-known for her love of animals. She cared for a wide variety of creatures, from sheep and miniature horses to her beloved dogs and cats. Her flock of guinea hens, though, tried her patience. Bonnie was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend and will be remembered by all for her kindness, caring nature and generosity.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donnie Staples, and her brother Carlton Joyce. She is survived by her daughter Julie MacDonald (husband Bruce) and son Danny Johnson (wife Rachel). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Caleb MacDonald (wife Rachael), Sarah Jae MacDonald, Ezra Johnson and Lincoln Johnson, and great-grandson, Colton MacDonald. Bonnie also leaves behind her sisters Sharon Butterfield and Laverne Craig; her brother Matt Joyce; her sister-in-law Pacita Joyce; her first husband Vernon Johnson and many nieces and nephews. Later in life, Bonnie married Donnie and her family expanded to include his children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Donnie’s son Dusty Staples and granddaughter Christie Kennedy. She is survived by Donnie’s son Galen “Sput” Staples (wife Janice), son Kevin Staples (wife Debbie), daughter Lorrie Parady (husband Mike), daughter-in-law Tammie Staples and their families.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Jane Marston
Jane Marston passed peacefully at home on March 5. She had been living with cancer for several years and after her most recent round of treatment decided she was done with all the fuss.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Stacy Marston, in 2020, as well as her parents, David and Virginia Davis.
Jane was beloved by her family, friends and community. She will be remembered for her warmth and laughter, her kindness and for her prolific knitting skills that she shared happily.
Jane’s greatest joy was her children and grandchild. She is survived by her sons Prescott Marston and wife Mary, Curtis Marston and wife Lyndsey, Lewis Marston and wife Sarah, and her daughter Virginia Marston. She was also blessed to have a granddaughter, Gwen.
A celebration of life will be held in Orland at a later date, to be announced. Gifts in Jane’s memory may be made to Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust or WERU radio.
Willow R. Runningwater
Willow R. Runningwater, 90, of Sedgwick, passed away on March 10, 2026, at Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital, Blue Hill. Born October 23, 1935 in Baldwin, New York, to Stanley and Albertina Johnson, she was a professional artist known for her daily commitment to painting. Willow also found great joy in gardening, reading, writing, and crafting.
She is survived by her three children: Laurri Rundell of Brooklin; Scott Rundell of Hampstead, NC; and Carol Ritson of Springfield, VA, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4-6 p.m., Friday March 20, 2026 at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin Street, Ellsworth. Burial will be at Rural Cemetery, Sedgwick.
Those who desire may make contributions in Willow’s memory to the SPCA, 141 Bar Harbor Rd., Trenton, ME 04605.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com
Richard “Rick” B. Jackson
Richard “Rick” B. Jackson, 70, passed away in Bangor, Maine on March 1, 2026.
He is survived by his daughter Savannah Macko and her husband Blake; his sisters April, Valencia and Robin; six nieces and nephews, 11 great-nieces and nephews, many cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his mother JoAnne and father Robert.
Rick grew up in Ellsworth and also lived in Florida for many years. He was a kind and generous man. Richard loved to golf, going to Hollywood Slots and being around friends. He was a master carpenter who would always help you. Richard will be missed by all who loved him.
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