Kyle William Spruce. Donald Milton Stover. Jeanette Lounder. Elaine B. Dunbar. Alice J Brown. Benjamin E. Grant. David George.
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.
Kyle William Spruce.
Bar Harbor.
Kyle Spruce, a decades-long resident of Bar Harbor, Maine, died by suicide near his cabin in Sugarloaf, Maine at age 56 on March 28, 2026.
Raised by his grandparents on Chemo Pond in Bradley, Kyle attended John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor and the University of Maine in Orono.
He was a landscaper and caretaker for numerous families in Bar Harbor and was known for his sensible but beautiful designs and his attention to detail.
Kyle was an avid skier (in Sugarloaf, Maine and Breckenridge, Colorado) and windsurfer (in Cape Hatteras and Baja California), and an accomplished tennis player, fisherman, and guitar player. He will be missed by many in Bar Harbor, Bangor, and Sugarloaf, Maine.
Kyle is survived by his beloved wife of 19 years, Catrina Spruce, his son Gray (15), and his daughter Nola (12). He is also survived by many close friends from throughout his life whom he considered his family.
A service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 3:00pm at the Somesville Meeting House, 1136 Main St, Mt Desert, ME 04660.
Donald Milton Stover
Bar Harbor
Donald Milton Stover died peacefully Monday, March 23, at the age of 93. He was born in Bar Harbor, August 3, 1932, the son of Arthur and Isabelle, (Marshall) Stover. He attended Bar Harbor High School and the University of Maine in Orono, earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
In 1954 he married his high school sweetheart Nancy King, and they have shared an adventurous and beautiful life together. As a registered professional engineer Donald travelled with Nancy throughout North America, making residence in 30 locations. He worked for 28 years with the Bechtel Corporation constructing and managing a variety of large industrial projects, including hydroelectric stations in Labrador, thermal power stations in Montana and Wyoming, and nuclear facilities in New Jersey, Texas, Washington and Ohio. Donald returned to Winthrop, Maine, in 1987, developing and constructing the Charles B. Mony Hydroelectric Plant in Lewiston, working for Central Maine Power until his retirement in 1994.
Donald had many interests. He loved woodworking, carpentry, traveling, golfing, boating, and playing bridge. His wit and good cheer made him a welcome presence at the bridge table and Augusta Country Club, where he was a member for many years. His favorite thing was spending time with his family and friends. He cared for his family deeply and loved the days spent with them at his Popple Point camp in Trenton.
He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Nancy King Stover of Bar Harbor, two sons, Bruce and wife Lisa, Arthur and wife Marty, and a daughter, Sarah, and husband Greg, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
As he wished, no funeral or memorial service will be planned. The family requests that well-wishers may make memorial contributions to Birch Bay Village, 25 Village Inn Road, Bar Harbor, Maine or a charity of one’s choice.
Jeanette Lounder
Ellsworth
Jeanette Ann Lounder, 85 passed away March 30, 2026 with her beloved family by her side. She was born on July 8, 1940 in Mariaville, the third of four children born to Vester and Vera Awalt.
Jeanette moved to West Ellsworth at the age of 5. She met the love of her life, Albert Lounder, in 1957.
They married in 1959 and began their lives together, settling into their new home in West Ellsworth, next door to her childhood home. Jeanette lived at this location for the next 65 years.
Jeanette defined her life largely by devotion to caring for family and work. Jeanette cemented her work ethic early on working with her family in her father’s blueberry fields in Ellsworth, Blue Hill, Waltham, and Steuben.
She worked in retail for many years and in bookkeeping at Lounder Power Equipment owned by she and her husband in Ellsworth Falls. Jeanette and her husband again joined forces in the later years of their lives in a return to her Maine wild blueberry roots. The Lounder Blueberries processing and sales enterprise was founded around the turn of the century. It was operated for 20 years and recently transferred to Family Tradition Blueberry Farms run by the Jordan family at the same location. While the fruits of her labor were literally enjoyed by thousands, the highest beneficiaries were her husband, children, grandchildren, family, and many friends who had the privilege of working at her side. She expected nothing more than showing up early and working your tail off until the job was done.
While small in stature, Jeanette was quite athletic. She was a majorette and played basketball in high school at a time when the notion of opportunity in sport for women was rather novel. She was a fiercely competitive bowler for many years, earning the reputation as one of the top bowlers in the Ellsworth area league. She didn’t finesse the ball toward the pins, she hurtled it down the lane with all her might.
Above all else, Jeanette was care giver to her husband, children, her children’s friends, nieces, nephews and her grandchildren. Following the birth of her first grandchild she became known as Nana to all forever after. The door was always open to all. Being at her house brought good times and cherished memories. Jeanette lived for the Christmas season. She truly made the season epic for all. She’d start preparing as soon as blueberry season wound up. Jeanette was fiercely independent. Everything about Jeanette was about service to others and she held fast and fierce to the principle she was on earth to help others, not to take help.
In the later years of life’s long life’s journey, usually following the strong urging of those closest to her, she would take some time away for personal pursuits. Her leisure travels took her to destinations including Hawaii, Alaska, California, Florida, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, numerous Caribbean Islands, and the Canadian Maritimes. She would only sleep a few hours a night while vacationing. She didn’t want to miss any fun.
Jeanette is survived by her three children, Teri Bach and her husband Tim, Greg and his wife Trudy, and Scott and his wife Holly; seven grandchildren, Lauren and Nicole Linscott, Sam Lounder and Olivia Holmes, Taylor Lounder, Jenna Bell and Chelsea Kelly; five great grandchildren – Alex, Vera, Lucia, Winni and Anya. She is also survived by her beloved Aunt Corace and her family. She will be missed by her siblings Norma, Jimmie and Kenneth along with their families and many other family members and friends. Jeanette is predeceased by her parents Vester and Vera Awalt and her husband Albert.
Thanks for taking care of everything a family would ever need. It was time to reunite with your husband in heaven.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jeanette’s memory may be made to Pine Tree Camp, 149 Front Street, Bath, ME 04530
A celebration of life service will be held on April 18 at 2 PM at the Ellsworth Assembly of God located at 131 Beechland Road in Ellsworth with Lead Pastor Burton Lowry officiating.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at jordanfernald.com
Elaine B. Dunbar
Sullivan
Elaine B. Dunbar, of Sullivan, Maine, peacefully passed away in Brunswick, Maine on March 25, 2026. She was born in Sullivan, on June 14, 1940, to Emery and Lydia Dunbar. She graduated from Sumner Memorial High School and Nasson College in Springvale. After graduation, Elaine was a dietician in Boston then at the Mount Desert Island Hospital.
She found joy in quilting, creating beautiful pieces that will remain part of her family’s lives. She had a special place in her heart for animals and was known for her compassion and care toward them. She had a big heart and showed love through the things she made.
She is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Wakefield and her husband, Roger, who Elaine adored; Carolyn Wakefield, her special niece who tirelessly helped Elaine, nephew Dr. Seth Wakefield, great-nephew Leo Fine, Paula Ring, a very special cousin who grew up with Elaine and talked with her almost every day and by a special quilting friend, Carol Fortier. She was predeceased by her parents, her grandparents from Norway, Anna and Otto Johnson, and her paternal grandparents, Harvey and Alice Dunbar.
Elaine was a determined and resilient woman who carried a deep pride in her Norwegian heritage and a love for Downeast Maine. She was someone who met life with persistence and strength.
Per Elaine’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances of Elaine to the SPCA of Hancock County, 141 Bar Harbor Rd, Trenton, ME 04605.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com
Alice J Brown
Ellsworth
Alice Jane Myrick Brown died unexpectedly at her home. She was born December 4, 1948 in Birch Harbor, Maine, to Loretta S. Huckins and Langdon S. Myrick. Jane grew up in Birch Harbor, Winter Harbor, and Grand Lake Stream. Jane married her lifelong husband, Ralph E. Brown, and eventually both moved to Ellsworth. Jane was an avid gardener and enjoyed being outdoors. Her sense of humor and impeccable organization will be missed. Always an avid reader, Jane’s extensive library showed her diverse interests and knowledge that she shared with everyone.
Jane was predeceased by her husband, Ralph E. Brown; her mother, Loretta S. Huckins; her father, Langdon S. Myrick; and her sister, Anne Canarr Jones. She is survived by her daughter, Melanie S. Brown of Ellsworth, her grandson, Brian S. Twitchell, niece Ragan Reardon, and nephews Randy Canarr, Ronald Canarr, and Rick Canarr.
Jane will be deeply missed. Arrangements are in the care of Jordan Fernald Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com
Benjamin E. Grant
Holden and Marlboro
Benjamin (Benjie) passed away peacefully on March 31 at the age of 80. He would tell you he died because his body simply wore out. Born to Ellen and Donald Grant on April 18th, 1945, in Bangor, Maine; he recalls a happy childhood cruising the downtown streets of Bangor on his beloved one-speed bicycle. He fondly remembers Dakin’s Sporting Goods, F. W. Woolworth and the Surplus Store where the clerks were always very courteous. After school, his home away from home was spent at the YMCA as a “Y Leader.”
Fortunate to grow up in the family business, Grant’s Dairy, Benjie started working part-time at the age of 10. He learned to drive standing up in a Divco milk delivery truck, earning $.50/day for 10 hours of work. Never afraid to work, he also shoveled neighbor’s steps/driveways for extra money.
Benjie attended Kents Hill School in Kents Hill, Maine having graduated in 1963. Following graduation, he attended Babson Institute located in Wellesley, MA. Looking back, Benjie would tell you that he was not mature enough to attend college, and his true focus was to work at Grant’s Dairy.
However, before heading back to work the family business, he worked as a bartender in Sugarloaf in the winter of ’67, then headed to Bar Harbor in the summer of ‘68 to tend bar at a number of notable establishments. By the end of summer, Benjie’s mom, Ellen, wrote both her boys a “Dear John” letter instructing them to come home to work at the dairy, or she’d sell it. Needless to say, both Windy and Benjie arrived home to start their careers at Grant’s Dairy. Benjie thrived and continued to grow the business until he sold the business in February of 1994. He always spoke about how fortunate he was to have many great employees, and equally important were the farmers who prided themselves in selling the dairy superior quality milk. Both employees and farmers positively contributed to the success of the dairy. Over the years at the dairy, part of its growth was the result of offering high quality dairy products to consumers as well as acquiring many other Maine dairies. The business grew, inflation factored in, from a $7.5 million business to $35 million annually in sales during Benjie’s time with the business.
In 1976, Benjie was extremely fortunate to meet Francine Pelletier, whom he married in 1977. Francine was his best friend, his confidant, soul mate, and the love of his life. Married for 48 wonderful years, they thoroughly enjoyed exploring the coast of Maine during the summer months from Criehaven Island to Eastport, delighting in eating outside at many restaurants along the coast. During winter months, they built many great friendships at Pat’s Pizza in Ellsworth.
Benjie assisted Francine in her antique business, first as the “1802 House Antiques,” followed by “Country Store Antiques,” and, finally, “Mid-Coast Fine Antiques of Maine.” Benjie recognized that Francine was the “boss.” As he often said, “She was the brains behind the business.” Upon Francine’s passing in Sept. 2024, Benjie kept the antique business open with the great assistance of Di Gray and Paul Crabtree, both major assets, helpful and extremely supportive, professionally and personally.
Benjie was also blessed with a stepdaughter, Maureen, who over the years became clearly a daughter to Benjie. He supported Maureen in many ways growing up, including her ongoing education and in sports with his “big mouth” yelling at the referees! He was extremely pleased when Maureen joined the dairy–a real positive move for both Benjie and the dairy–she contributed greatly to the dairy’s success.
Maureen was blessed with a child, Allie Belanger, who both Benjie and Francine thought the world of. Being grandparents brought much joy, watching Dumbo multiple, multiple times on the VCR, feeding the ducks on N.E. Harbor, lots of summer picnics, and Boston trips over the holidays.
Maureen married Bill Vasquez on December 18, 2004. Both Francine and Benjie were extremely pleased to welcome Bill into the family. They both thought the world of Bill. He is certainly a major asset to the family in so many ways. Maureen and Bill have also been an integral part in assisting both Francine and Benjie in their later years with support with financial issues and health issues, which Benjie is very grateful for–a true blessing.
Benjie thought it important that I include three lessons that he lived by:
- treat people as you would like to be treated
- enjoy life on a daily basis, as it is precious and not guaranteed
- don’t forget to say “thank you” when someone does something for you
Please join us as we celebrate Benjie’s life from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith located at 163 Center Street in Bangor, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “25 Days of Kindness” and sent to the Holden Town Office located at 570 Main Road, Holden, ME 04429. This non-profit was started by former Holden Police Chief Greeley, assisting Holden residents in need for the 25 days leading up to Christmas.
For those that knew him, you’ll get a chuckle that his obit was primarily written by my dad when he was healthy.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.
David George
Bucksport
David George born April 28, 1939, died peacefully on March 21, 2026, after a good run of 86+ years.
He was born and grew up in Prospect, Maine, and, after a short stint in the military, David settled in Bucksport where he spent 40 years as an inspector at the Bucksport paper mill.
David was predeceased by his wife and companion of 45 years, Paula Ruth.
He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, shouting answers to Jeopardy!, and spending time with his family.
He leaves behind his beloved daughter, Sherry George; stepdaughters, Stacey Kelley and Tammy Hendricks; granddaughter, Heather; grandsons, Jonathan, Joshua, and Justin; son, Frank; and five great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are under the care of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Bucksport. mitchelltweedie-young.com
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