People We've Lost
Raymond Earl Williams, Jr., Emily Ann Sabah-Maren, Robert Somes Leland, Philip "Phil" E. Davis
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. 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.
Raymond Earl Williams, Jr.
Ellsworth and Mount Desert Island
Raymond Earl Williams, Jr., 80, died March 31, 2025, at his home. He was born April 25, 1944, in Milford, CT. the son of Raymond E. and Eleanor D. (Miller) Williams.
Raymond was a co-owner and operator with brother-in-law Sterling Bunker of the B & W Texaco in Orland, where he worked as a mechanic. After they sold the business, he started working as a finish carpenter. Through his custom side work, he received the opportunity to meet Ned Johnson, a summer resident on Mt. Desert Island who hired him as the estate’s custom carpenter. He worked there for many years for the family and always said that it was the best job he ever had.
He was a member of the Eastern Maine Model Railroad Club where he served many roles including secretary, treasurer, and president. Raymond spent nearly 40 years with the club as trains were his true passion. He also loved riding his motorcycle and in later years enjoyed eBay.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years Diana L. (Denbow) Williams; two sons, Raymond E. Williams, III and wife Amanda of Sanford, Theodore “Ted” Williams and partner, Jessica Sprague of Ellsworth; two daughters, Wendy Haslam and husband Gary of Verona, Cynthia Young and husband Pat of Ellsworth; two grandchildren Cypress and Logan and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Richard, Roger, and Ronald.
A celebration of Raymond’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on May 3, 2025, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. A private interment will be at Rural Cemetery, Sedgwick at a later date.
Those who desire may make contributions in Raymond’s memory to the Downeast Scenic Railroad, P.O. Box 621, Ellsworth, ME 04605.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com
Emily Ann Sabah-Maren
Bar Harbor
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Emily Ann Sabah-Maren, beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, nurse, and philanthropist, on Feb. 24, 2025, at the age of 90. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Aug. 12, 1934, Emily lived a life filled with adventure, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to others.
Emily was preceded in death by her parents, Maria Antonia and Charles Sabah, and her son, Christopher Azar. She is survived by her two daughters, Leila Azar Neel and Catherine Azar. She leaves behind five adoring grandchildren, Antonia and Malcolm Neel, Madelaine Azar, Chad and Scott Trausch, with whom she shared a unique and profoundly loving bond. She was overjoyed to meet her great-granddaughter, Rosie Hoo-Trausch. Emily also leaves her son-in-law, Jack Neel, and her daughters-in-law, Julie Trausch-Azar and Jana Leal, as well as the spouses of her grandchildren, Henry Beggs and Stephanie Hoo. She leaves a legacy inspired by humor, curiosity, and adventure.
Emily devoted much of her life to caring for others and giving back to her community. Her sharp wit and infectious humor touched the hearts of everyone who knew her. Her family and friends will never forget Emily’s moxie and generosity. Her legacy of love, laughter, and service will live on in the hearts of all fortunate enough to know her.
Among her many gifts, Emily introduced her children and grandchildren to Bar Harbor, Maine, a place that became a cherished part of their lives. It is a location and community that holds a special place in their hearts, forever tied to memories of time spent with her and a testament to her spirit of adventure and love.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Emily’s name to one of the following charities: the Invest in Maine Fund of the Maine Community Foundation, 245 Main Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605, or donate online at mainecf.org, or The UF Medical Guild Inc., P.O. Box 142246 Gainesville, FL 32614.
Details for a service to celebrate Emily’s life in Maine will be shared in the future.
Robert Somes Leland
Trenton
Robert Somes Leland, 89, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his family on Sunday, March 23, 2025, just one week shy of his 90th birthday. Robert was born on March 30, 1935, to Arthur & Florence (Thomas) Leland in Hulls Cove.
Robert met Laureen Patten at The Rainbow Roller Rink in Trenton. After a few years of dating and enlisting in the Air Force, he proposed, she said yes, and Laureen flew to England to marry her sweetheart.
Settling in Trenton upon his honorable discharge, Robert worked as a truck driver for a number of years before going to work as a plumber in Bar Harbor. In the early 1970s Robert opened his own business, Trenton Plumbing & Heating, serving the Hancock County area for more than 40 years. Robert and Laureen built, owned and operated The Chowder Bowl Restaurant and Leland’s Sunrise Motel, both in Trenton. Robert was devoted to Laureen, their family and their life.
Robert enjoyed many trips with his family through the years to visit friends and family. He spent several winters traveling south with Laureen, and they had a love for local racing, traveling around the state to follow their favorite drivers, often taking their grandchildren with them. He could usually be found taking care of things around his home, at camp and in his garage. He kept most everything and often found a way to reuse them. After retiring, he was most happy when he was with his family and friends, going for daily coffee, watching his grandchildren play sports, attending most events they played in.
In the more recent years, being with his great-grandchildren was very important to him. He would watch and laugh as they played. Robert was known as “Bampie” to his four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was a loving father and grandfather who was always there to celebrate life’s moments with his family. Robert was predeceased by his loving wife of almost 68 years, Laureen Leland, his parents, siblings, Carold, Lillian, Pauline, Helen & Arthur and many friends and relatives.
Robert is survived by his daughter Debra and her husband, Bruce Staples, grandson Bradley and his wife, Kim Staples and their children, Emery and Dorothy, granddaughter Emily and her husband, Sam Burr and their children, Theodore and Elouise, daughter Patricia Leland and her husband Charles Stanley, granddaughters Monica and her husband Travis Jones, their children Alexis and Penelope, Robyn Hanson and her children Evan, Cole and Luke, his sister Marjorie Higgins and brother Carroll Leland and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived his special care companions Ginny and Darcey, along with his other caregivers and many friends.
Robert will be deeply missed by all who loved him and by everyone he loved.
A graveside service for Robert and Laureen will be held in July at the Leland Cemetery.
Philip "Phil" E. Davis
Mount Desert Island
It is with profound sadness that the family of Philip E. Davis, of Ft Lauderdale, FL, announce his peaceful passing on April 1, 2025, at the age of 73.
Philip was predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth Van Dyk and father, Edward Davis; his uncle, Richard Davis; as well as his nephew, Brett Thibodeau. He is survived by his daughter, Brandy Davis Jadczak; his siblings, Brenda Thibodeau, Craig Davis, and Sterling Davis. Philip also leaves behind his grandchildren, Victoria Jadczak, Tristan Jadczak, and Reece Jadczak; as well as his three nieces and nephew and many beloved cousins.
Phil will be remembered for his love of the ocean, photography, all things cars, guitars and real estate. He was a consummate mechanical engineer with a diverse background allowing him to excel in designing products and devices that span many industries widely used around us every day. From pager covers to Kodak and USPS mail sorting machines in the '90s, to cell phones and security tags in the 2000s, and then lots of antennas and electronics of all kinds in his later years, as well as many different devices in between. He was world travelled in his career, yet always called Mount Desert Island and Acadia home. He was a committed and loving father, a lifelong learner, as well as a dreamer, an inventor, a tinkerer, and entrepreneur, who loved to share his vast knowledge and passions with others. A well-known prankster in his youth, the irony of Phil's passing on April Fool's Day was not lost on his family. He will be forever missed by family and friends near and far.
At Phil's request, no service is to be held, however it was his greatest wish that people celebrate him, each in their own way. He could often be heard saying that he did not want a funeral, he wanted a party. With all his family and friends spread so far apart, May 11 would be the perfect day to listen to some great music, have some great food and raise a glass to Phil. In lieu of flowers or other gestures, donations may be made to the Shalom Center homeless shelter in Kenosha, WI, to support those in need as they rebuild new lives.