Robert Walmsley Jr. Florence Hopkins Borda. Clarence Henry (“C.H.”) Breedlove, Jr. Alan Wood. Brendan Michael O’Leary. Janice ‘Jan’ M. Smith. Trent A. Pettison II
Sep 06, 2026
“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.
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.
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Edward Jones Financial Advisor: Elise N. Frank.
Robert Walmsley Jr.
Northeast Harbor
Robert Miller Walmsley Jr., 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of August 21, 2026. Born on October 28, 1946, in New Orleans, to Virginia Johnston Walmsley and Robert Miller Walmsley.
At age 12, after attending the Metairie Park Country Day School, he went to St. Paul’s School in Concord (N.H.) where he was elected captain of varsity football and president of the Form of 1964. He graduated from Princeton University with honors in 1968, where he was a member of the Ivy Club. He attended the University of Virginia Law School, where he was on the law review.
In Robert’s professional life, his legal practice centered on complex corporate law, securities, general business transactions, and negotiated acquisitions. Regarded across the legal community for his exceptional transactional expertise, he earned consistent industry accolades throughout his career. He was a founding partner of the New Orleans law firm, Fishman Haygood. He chaired the American Bar Association’s Committee on Corporate Practice and completed two terms on the ABA’s Corporate Laws Committee.
Robert gave his time generously outside the office. From 1986 to 1988, he served as president of the New Orleans Arts Council. In the mid-1990s, he helped found the New Orleans Soccer Academy (NOSA), serving as its president for several years. In retirement in Maine, where he moved in 2016, he served on the board of the Northeast Harbor Library and the Mount Desert Historical Society. In Italy, where he spent winters during retirement, he spoke Italian fluently. He traveled to musical venues and art historical sites throughout the country and in Rome, becoming an avid scholar of ancient Roman history, early Christianity, and church mosaics. He loved listening to opera, classical, organ music, and country-western on his elaborate stereo system.
Above all else, family was central to Robert’s life. He was deeply devoted to his children and grandchildren, and most of all to his wife of 57 years, Anne. He is survived by his wife, Anne McIlvaine Walmsley; his children, Peter S. Walmsley (Priscilla) of Jackson Hole (WY), Lloyd W. Walmsley of Atlanta, and Anne B. “Nina” Walmsley Draper (Avery) of Chadds Ford (PA); his brother, Gordon S. Walmsley (Anni) of Copenhagen (Denmark); his sister, Clara P. Walmsley (Richard) of New Orleans; his five cherished grandchildren, Ellie Walmsley, Lulu Walmsley, Annie Walmsley, Alexander Walmsley, and “Bo” Walmsley.
The family held a private service at St. Mary’s by the Sea in Northeast Harbor and will hold services for friends in June of 2027 at St. Mary’s Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Northeast Harbor Library, P.O. Box 279, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, or to the Mount Desert Island Historical Society, P.O. Box 653, Mount Desert, ME 04660.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
Florence Hopkins Borda
Bryn Mawr, PA and Northeast Harbor,
Florence Hopkins Borda, of Bryn Mawr, PA and Northeast Harbor, ME died peacefully on August 20 at Beaumont at Bryn Mawr Retirement Community. She was 94 years old.
Known as Flopsy, she was the daughter of Katherine Porter Hopkins and D. Luke Hopkins of Baltimore, MD. She grew up in their home on Bellona Avenue with her two brothers, her sister and her many cousins who lived close by. Flopsy attended the Calvert School and Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore, and graduated from Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, CT. Following graduation, she spent a year in Paris with her parents and sister where she attended Sorbonne University. After returning from France, she married Charles A. Borda, 3d (Tim) in 1954 and after brief stays in Camp Lejune, NC and Birmingham, MI, they settled on the Philadelphia Main Line, where they raised their family.
Flopsy was a homemaker, avid tennis player, and volunteer. In addition to earning numerous tennis accolades, she was an instructor at the Vic Seixas Tennis Academy. As a volunteer, Flopsy was very proud of her work assisting in the care of the wounded at Valley Forge General Hospital during the Vietnam War. Among her greatest joys was spending summers with family at her beloved home in Northeast Harbor. Her grace, kindness, loving spirit, and generosity will be missed by all who knew her.
She is predeceased by her husband, parents, and brother David L. Hopkins, Jr. She is survived by her children: Charles Borda (Wendy) of Durham, NC; Katherine Compton (Doug) of West Hartford, CT; and Luke Borda (Nancy) of Wilmington, DE. along with eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Flopsy is also survived by her brother, C. A. Porter Hopkins (Patty) of Cambridge, MD, and her sister, Katherine Hopkins Mellon of Far Hills, NJ.
The family would like to thank Myrna Jordan and Ana Bujiashvili for their dedicated and compassionate care.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Florence Borda will be held at Beaumont on Saturday, October 10, at 11 a.m. A private interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name can be made to the Lankenau Hospital Foundation and the Maine Coast Heritage Trust.
Clarence Henry (“C.H.”) Breedlove, Jr.
Rockville, MD and Mount Desert Island
Clarence Henry (“C.H.”) Breedlove, Jr. died on Monday, Aug. 24, in Rockville, Md. He was born on Dec. 30, 1933, in Lawton, Okla. His father, Clarence H., was a professor of chemistry and the dean at nearby Cameron College. His mother, Grace C., was a student at the college. In 1939, his father was called onto active duty as a Captain in the U.S. Army’s Chemical Warfare Service. This meant immediate relocation to Savannah Army Air Base and marked the first of 10 school transfers for C.H. over the next 12 years.
C. H. graduated from Falls Church High School in Falls Church, Va., in 1951. He then attended 4 years at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, graduating in June 1955 with a B.A. and a commission in the U.S. Army.
In the fall of 1955, he went on active duty as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Over the next 2 years, he was stationed 4 months at Fort Monmouth, N.J., then spent the next 16 months with the 304th Signal Battalion in Seoul, South Korea, and 4 months at Fort Riley, Kan. Following a 2-year tour of active duty, he attended graduate school at Oklahoma A&M College, where he taught freshman chemistry and graduated with an M.S. in August 1958.
Leaving Oklahoma, he moved back to the Washington, D.C. area and took a position as a chemistry teacher at Walter Johnson Senior High School in Bethesda, Md. In the spring of 1959, he married Rita E. Morine, who was an English teacher at Walter Johnson. Two sons, Mark C. and Patrick M., were born of that marriage. Rita died from complications of diabetes in June of 1974. C.H. remarried Dr. M. Christine Kerr and that marriage lasted 52 years. C.H.’s two sons gained a younger sister by this marriage since Chris was the mother of Jennifer, one year younger than Patrick. Also joining the Breedlove family was the first of a long line of dachshunds.
C.H. began teaching at Montgomery Community College in Rockville, Md., in September 1965. At Montgomery College, C.H. was the recipient of the 1983 Chemical Manufacturers Association Award (for Excellence in College Chemistry Teaching). He served as the chairman of the Chemistry Department in Rockville for 13 years and held leadership positions in the faculty governance system. He retired in January 1997, having taught chemistry for 40 years.
In addition to their home in Rockville, the Breedloves have owned a second home for 31 years on Mount Desert Island, Maine where they spent summer and fall and sometimes winters.
Since retirement, he has volunteered in Maine for Island Connections, which includes driving and meal deliveries. For 5 years, he led the Footloose Friends, a local hiking group. He conducted tours of historic Somesville and served as trustee for the Somesville Union Meeting House, UCC and he enjoyed playing croquet competitively. He and Chris spent many happy times in their Boston Whaler, Ishmael, exploring the local waters and hiking and biking the many trails in the park.
He is survived by his wife and three children and their respective spouses. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Joshua, Analise and Allex and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Robert A. Breedlove, M.D., of Stillwater, Okla., and sister, Beverly Strain Eads of Greenbrier, Ark.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Somesville Union Meeting House or to a charity of your choice. Following a celebration of his life at the Somesville Church at a later date, his ashes are to be interred in the Brookside Cemetery in Somesville, Maine.
Alan Wood
Franklin
“You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em. Know when to fold ‘em.”
Life dealt Alan a bad hand, but, in many ways, he counted himself lucky. Chronic illness was a burden he carried with grace, grit and humor. Now he has set that burden down.
Colby Alan Wood, 69, died Aug. 30, 2026, at home in Franklin.
Born June 9, 1957, to Colby N. and Kathleen (Blackman) Wood, Alan was the tail end of a pack of six kids growing up on the Surry Road in Ellsworth. As a boy, he and his buddies were known as the Woods’ Hill gang, and he was still running wild going into young adulthood. But marriage – and especially parenthood – brought maturity. He was a hard worker, loving father and a devoted husband to his wife of 41 years, Elizabeth (Tuite) Wood.
His future mother-in-law played matchmaker after spotting “that handsome young man” stocking shelves at Doug’s Shop n’ Save in Ellsworth. The couple hit it off, but Alan had been living with rheumatoid arthritis since he was 17, and his rheumatologist had a warning for the future bride: their path would be a hard one. They took it anyway. Alan and Betty married on Dec. 30, 1984, and had two daughters, Cyndi and Caitlin. In 2016, he became “Pops” to his grandson, Caleb, who he adored.
Alan lived most of his life in Ellsworth, but retired in Franklin, where he liked sitting in the sun with the dogs for company. He had worked in human resources at Tradewinds in Blue Hill and for many years before that at Hannaford in Ellsworth.
When he was raising his daughters, Alan cheerfully submitted to makeovers and games of “house.” One of his many feats of heroism was holding coffee cans steady while hammer-wielding Girl Scouts pounded in nail holes to make decorative lanterns. Another was when he repeatedly jumped his daughter’s car in the pouring rain as it stalled all the way to the mechanic’s.
Alan had more surgeries than anyone wanted to count and several close calls but possessed a fierce will to live. He wanted to be there for those he loved, and he was – always.
Alan is survived by his wife Betty of Franklin; daughter Cyndi, her husband Kevin and their son Caleb of Ellsworth; and daughter Caitlin and her partner Alex of Yarmouth. He also leaves behind siblings Donna Clarke of Ellsworth and Venice, Fla.; Donald “Buddy” Wood and partner Kristi Dunn of Great Pond; Kathy Ashe and husband Yale of Surry; Gail Fletcher of Ellsworth and many nieces and nephews and their children. Alan was predeceased by his parents and his eldest sister, Nancy Larsen.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 11 a.m. at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Ellsworth. A reception will follow at the hall at St. Joseph Church in Ellsworth. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry or to Mary’s Meals.
Brendan Michael O’Leary
January 10, 1972 – July 14, 2026
Brendan Michael O’Leary, 54, of Louisa, Virginia and formerly of Wayland, Massachusetts and Ellsworth, Maine, passed away on July 14, 2026 from complications following a long-term illness. He is survived by his children, Madeline and Jake and their mother, Trystan Phifer O’Leary; his mother, Maureen O’Leary; his siblings, Niamh O’Leary-Liu Blumentals, Sean Hensen, and Jane Liu Sardo; and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends whom he considered as family. He was also the cherished son-in-law of James and Linnie Phifer, brother-in-law of Tamsyn and Brannan Johnston, and the godson of Janice Smith and the late Clifton Smith. Brendan was preceded in death by his father, William Liu, and brother, David Liu.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 26, at St. Ann Church in Wayland, Massachusetts at 10:00 a.m. with a reception immediately following in the parish hall. Please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com for the complete obituary.
Janice ‘Jan’ M. Smith
Lamoine
Janice ‘Jan’ Muriel Smith, 90, died August 31, 2026 in Bangor. She was born January 28, 1936 in Quincy, Massachusetts, the daughter of Carl Gustav and Gertrude Olive (Marsh) Hokanson.
Jan graduated from Milton High School in 1953. On June 9, 1956 she married the love of her life Clifton Raymond Smith. She worked as the secretary at Lamoine Consolidated School for several years.
She and Cliff were instrumental in the startup of Hancock County Habit for Humanity. Jan was also active in her community and volunteered at Loaves and Fishes and Friends in Action. Her church the Lamone Baptist Church was very important part of her life. Janice enjoyed sailing and square dancing, spending time with her family and meeting new friends everywhere she went.
Jan is remembered with love and respect, as well as a great deal of humor! She had an incredible wit and cracking aim with a tub of spuds. Her dance performance at her granddaughter’s wedding is the stuff of family legend! Jan brought her loved one’s countless smiles and laughs.
She is survived by her four children Carl Smith and wife Kathy of Maryland, Sherry Rogers, Kristy Hodkiewicz and husband John, all of Lamoine, and Brian Smith and wife Camie of New Hampshire; a sister Lois Young and husband Alan; brother Russell Hokanson and wife Barbara; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her beloved husband in 2013 after 57 years of marriage; a brother Ralph Hokanson in 2005.
A Celebration of life will be held for Jan at 11 am, September 19, 2026, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery, Lamoine.
Those who desire may make contributions in Jan’s memory to the Lamoine Historical Society, 362 Lamoine Beach Rd., Lamoine, ME 04605, Hancock County Habitat For Humanity P.O. Box 343, Ellsworth, ME 04605, or the Lamoine Baptist Church 54 Mill Rd. Lamoine, ME 04605.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
Trent A. Pettison II
Hancock
Trent A. Pettison II of Hancock Maine went home to his Lord Jesus Christ on July 10, 2026. He was born on March 7, 1961 in Lowell Connecticut, son of Trent A., Sr. and Elaine (Brindley) Pettison.
Trent was a man that lived the way he wanted, simple. He didn’t care about possessions; he cared about people. He only knew one way to live, to love and cherish every day, and everyone! He loved his nation and would fly the American flag on the side of Franklin Road on a regular basis. He was a man that couldn’t go to a simple convenience store without acknowledging every person there. Trent loved talking about music and would educate people on obscure bands and of course, the local music scene. When the conversation would come to an end, Trent would conclude with a friendly smile and peace sign saying, “Peace, Love and Woodstock.”
Trent was a proud Navy Veteran who received many awards and medals for his service which include, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Rifleman Marksmanship Ribbon along with 3 bronze stars.
Trent is survived by his son, Trent Pettison III, his brothers, Todd Fairchild (Donna), Cyril Roberts (Crystal) and sister, Schelle Roberts. He is also survived by many friends and a community that loved him.
Trent gave his heart to each and every person he’s ever met. Consider yourself blessed for knowing him. Consider yourself blessed if he made you smile as he was waving the American flag. Trent will be deeply missed and will never be forgotten. So, for now Trent, until we meet again, “Peace, Love and Woodstock,” we love you!
Graveside services will be held 11 am., Friday September 25, 2026 at Acadia National Cemetery, Jonesboro ME. That evening, there will be a celebration of life at Black Moon Public House in Ellsworth from 6-9 pm. One of Trent’s favorite local bands, The Crown Vics, will be performing to honor him.
Again, Trent loved music and especially loved public radio station WERU. He would call them regularly and chat with the DJs while requesting songs.
We will be accepting donations at Trent’s celebration of life to donate to WERU Public Radio in his memory or if you would like to donate to them directly, please send a check to WERU-FM, PO Box 170, East Orland, ME 04431-0170. Please be sure to write, “Memory of Trent Pettison” in the memo or include a note with your check.
Condolences may be expressed at www.acadiacremation.com.
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