People We've Lost
Carolyne Christine Dunbar, Paul Smith Richardson, Annie M. Colby, Maxine Herzog Smith, Michael D. Smith, George Luther Miller, Sandra "Sandy" Smallidge
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.
Carolyne Christine Dunbar
Southwest Harbor
Carolyne Christine Dunbar, age 88, passed away peacefully at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center on May 12. She was born in Richmond, Maine, on Nov. 26, 1936, the daughter of the late Joseph Dillon Sr. and Mabel Russell.
Carolyne graduated from Pemetic School in 1954, where she met Edwin Dunbar, who she married in 1956. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years until she started working at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, a job she truly loved to get up and go to every day. She was a member of the former Rebekah Lodge in Southwest Harbor and the secretary for the Mount Height Cemetery for many years. For fun, Carolyne and Edwin would spend time with family and friends on Molasses Pond and in later years enjoyed traveling in their RV.
Carolyne was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Edwin Dunbar, a daughter, Susan Dunbar, granddaughter Nicolette Wallace and sister, Lucille Haynes. She is survived by daughters Wanda McLaughlin (Bobby), Doreen Graves (Alan) and a son Mark Dunbar (Selena), 6 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren who she loved dearly, brothers Joseph Dillon, Charles Dillon, Leonard Russell, Donald Russell, Wayne Dillon and sisters Jan Kincaid, Christena Flynn, Agnes Gazaway, and Colleen Moody.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Ross Manor for their loving care. There will be a small graveside service at a later date.
Paul Smith Richardson
Florida and Otter Creek
After a brief illness, Paul Smith Richardson, 94, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025, at a hospital in Largo, Fla., surrounded by family. He was born Dec. 17, 1930, in Otter Creek, Maine, the son of Gerald D. and Gladys M. (Smith) Richardson. He graduated from Gilman High School in 1949 and with an English degree from the University of Maine/Orono in 1953. He was a member of Phi Mu Delta fraternity, and upon graduation, he received his commission as an officer in the Army Reserve to teach combat military tactics.
After graduation, he married the love of his life, whom he met on a blind date, Dorothy "Dot" Anne Leonard, and moved to Georgia where he was stationed at Fort Benning. After his Army service, he returned to Mount Desert Island to join Crobb Box Co. Under his leadership, he took Crobb from a wartime box company to a quality wholesale manufacturer of eastern white pine.
Paul was always an active leader in his community and island. He served on the Mount Desert Planning Board and the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission for decades.
He also was a member of the Mount Desert Island Historical Society, Mount Desert Island Lions Club and the Union Congregational Church of Otter Creek. He was especially proud of the research and publication of his book, "The Creation and Growth of Acadia National Park."
He will be remembered for his outgoing, friendly personality and his kind and generous heart. He loved horseback riding, golf, tennis and boating. He and Dot loved to travel and enjoyed their winters in Florida. Most importantly, he will be remembered for his steadfast love and dedication navigating Dot's 27-year struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
He is survived by his children: Paula Richardson-Gannon and husband, John, Gail Richardson Gee, Peter Leonard Richardson and wife Peggy (Miller); grandchildren, Abigail Gee and husband Todd Gregorian, Molly (Gee) Rahman and husband Asad, Britt (Emmons) and husband Anthony Ricardo, Clare Gannon and her New Zealand family, Miles Emmons and wife Danielle (Nason), Kelsey Richardson and husband Brendan O'Donoghue, Joseph Richardson and wife Lauryn (Barker); great-grandchildren, Charles and Hadley Ricardo, Aria and Rua Emmons, Fox Gregorian, Laith Rahman, Mira and Jude O'Donoghue, Ellis Richardson; nieces Rebecca Richardson, Caryn Parr; nephews Scott and Brian Richardson, Joe and Charles Hammond and their families. In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by his wife Dot, brother Roger Richardson and nephew Tom Richardson.
A graveside service will be held 12:30 p.m., June 21, 2025 at Otter Creek Cemetery, Otter Creek with a reception to follow from 2-5 p.m. at Kebo Valley Golf Club, 136 Eagle Lake Road, Bar Harbor.
Gifts may be made in his memory to the Aid Society of Otter Creek, Maine; c/o Sally Weiss, 21 Walls St., Otter Creek, ME 04660.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com
Annie M. Colby
Bar Harbor
Annie M. Colby, 93, died May 25, 2025, at her home. She was born December 2, 1931, in Machias the daughter of Gilbert J. and Lois T. (Johnson) Stanhope.
Annie worked as an animal care technician for the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor for 20 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bar Harbor for over 30 years.
She is survived by her son Richard Kelley of Ellsworth; four daughters, Lois Lenfestey and husband Chet of Belgrade, Narda Walker and husband Ivan of West Tremont, Gwendolyn Tracy and husband David of Bucksport and Teenia Colby of Franklin; 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren; a brother Richard Stanhope and four sisters, Kate, Louise, Judy and Beverly; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 19 years, Stanley P. Colby, and four brothers Gibby Jr., Arnie, Millard and Dale.
Graveside services will be held at 1. p.m., June 14, 2025, at Ledgelawn Cemetery, Bar Harbor. Those who desire may make contributions in Annie’s memory to the First Baptist Church, 46 Ledgelawn Ave. Bar Harbor, 04609.
Maxine Herzog Smith
Trenton
Maxine Herzog Smith, 96, died at Birch Bay Village, Bar Harbor on May 17, 2025. She was born August 28, 1928, in Denver Colorado to Maxamillion and Marion Hollis (Crowell) Herzog.
Maxine graduated from Dean Academy in Franklin, Massachusetts in 1947 before attending Northern Virginia Community College for her LPN degree where she graduated in 1980. She worked as a neonatal nurse at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital and ran an independent craft business. She was involved with the American Legion Auxiliary Post #63, was a Red Cross lifesaving instructor, and enjoyed travel, sewing, and quilting.
She is survived by her husband, Colon A. Smith of Trenton, Maine; daughters, Christine Hall of Washington, NC, Valerie Moreau of Manteo, NC, and Pamela Anywll of Burke, VA; sons Michael Hall and wife Lynn of Trenton, Maine, James Hall and wife Colleen of Linden, VA, Gary Smith and wife Donna of Woodbury, NJ, and Randy Smith and wife Syd of Concord, VA. She was predeceased by her first husband, John Irving Hall.
Maxine will be buried at Pine Grove Cemetery in West Harwick, MA at a later date.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
George Luther Miller
Michigan and Maine
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of George Luther Miller, of Dearborn, Michigan, who tragically lost his life on May 21, 2025, as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on May 20, 2025.
Born with a creative spirit and an unwavering passion for the arts, George graduated from Stearns High School in Millinocket in 1985, where he shined in musical theater productions and proudly served as a varsity cheerleader in his senior year. He briefly attended the University of Maine before immersing himself in costume design, a craft that would become his life's work.
His early career flourished at the Penobscot Theater Company and the Acadia Repertory Theatre, where his artistry contributed to the magic of the stage. His talents also extended to film, working as a field assistant on Stephen King's Creepshow 2 (1987) and Pet Semetery (1989)—a role that George described as chasing deer away from the set in the middle of the night. Additionally, George lent his expertise to two regional documentaries aired on public television.
New York City became his next creative home, where he worked in costume design at major costume houses supplying productions nationwide. His talents led him to the Windows on the World on the 106th and 107th floors of the South Tower at the World Trade Center, where he designed uniforms and costumes before moving away just months before the tragic events of 9/11.
George eventually settled in Michigan, where he continued his work in costume design at Greenfield Village, part of the Henry Ford Museum, as senior manager of the period of clothing department. He was a gracious host, welcoming visiting family members to explore the historic site. Most recently, he dedicated more than a decade of service to the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit, working as a tailor in its costume and uniform shop. One of his proudest moments in Michigan was singing the National Anthem at a Detroit Tigers home game, a performance now immortalized on YouTube.
Beyond his professional achievements, George was cherished for his kindness, humor, and genuine friendship. His family is eternally grateful for the compassionate friends who stood by him: friend, Michelle; and especially Kathy Clagg and and her husband, Scott, of Dearborn, who provided unwavering support during his most challenging moments.
George was predeceased by his grandparents, Maurice and Eunice Buckingham of Hermon; as well as his uncle, Merle Buckingham and aunt, Evenel Milliken, both of Hermon. George is survived by his beloved family: his older brother, Don Paul Buckingham and his wife, Patricia, of Hermon, Maine; his mother, Marsailes Miller of Bangor; and his aunt, Irene Williams of Holden. He also leaves behind many well-loved cousins and extended family members in the Bangor area and Aroostook County, which he fondly referred to as "up home."
George's light will continue to shine through the countless lives he touched, his creative legacy, and the memories shared by those who loved him. May his journey onward be filled with the same artistry and joy that he brought to this world. At George's request, there will be no formal service. George also had a request for everyone to express love for each other.
Rest in peace, George. You will be dearly missed.
Michael D. Smith
Lamoine
Michael D. Smith, 62, died on May 21st, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born July 25th, 1962, in Bar Harbor, and grew up in Jonesboro with his parents Adain Q. and Frances M. (Morris) Smith.
Michael attended both Machias Memorial High School and Washington Academy, as well as took classes at the University of Maine at Machias. He married his soulmate, Debbie Stirrett in 1982, having two children, Amanda and Ashley. Michael did several jobs while young, including traditional Downeast ones like clamming and raking blueberries. He ran and owned the Jonesboro General Store, and worked at WHCA, but ultimately used his talent as a finished carpenter to work at Hinckley Yachts for over 20 years. This change resulted in them moving to the Lamoine area, where he’s lived since. Michael was also an incredibly talented artist. He enjoyed drawing lighthouses and nature scenes but could draw anything. He made furniture, did wood burnings and carving, and even made a canoe. His pieces will be treasured items for his family. He also had a great love for poker and cherished his Friday night poker nights, and the amazing friends he played with. Like everyone else Michael loved, they were part of his family.
Michael is survived by his daughters, Amanda Preston, and husband Stephen of Machias, and Ashley Billings and boyfriend PJ Presnell, of Gouldsboro; his grandchildren Mackenzie and Aidan Preston and Makayla Billings; his partner of 8 years, Deborah Beckwith; two sisters Ellen Norton of Jonesboro and Christine Brown Clark of GA; two brothers Ed Brown of VA, and Tony Brown of FL. Michael was predeceased by his parents and his beloved wife Debbie Smith, a brother Paul Brown and sisters Lila Farmer, and Karen Young.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 12 p.m., June 14, 2025, at the Ellsworth Elks Lodge, 317 High Street, Ellsworth.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com
Sandra "Sandy" Smallidge
Blue Hill and Bar Harbor
Sandra "Sandy" Smallidge, a kind, compassionate, brilliant soul passed away peacefully May 15, 2025, after a brief courageous battle with cancer. She lived her life full of adventure, supporting people and causes close to her heart. She was a loving, supportive wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
Born in Bar Harbor, Maine, daughter of Anne and John Smallidge. Sandy lived in several communities throughout Maine, she graduated from Windham High School, graduated from EMMC nursing program with honors and the University of Maine.
Sandy dedicated most of her life to nursing, including several positions at EMMC, Blue Hill Memorial Hospital and ten years of traveling the country in traveling nursing positions. Sandy shared her knowledge of nursing as an adjunct professor in the nursing program at Husson University. She also owned Blue Moon Images Gallery in Surry with her husband, Greg. Sandy was always involved in volunteering for different causes and places, including the National Parks, National Folk Festival, and Winter Harbor Library.
Sandy loved to read, she loved being outdoors, hiking, camping, birdwatching, canoeing and kayaking, and photography, all with her husband Greg. She loved traveling especially to the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Scotland. Scotland held a special spot in her heart after meeting her Peaker friends, who are a group of people who loved the Outlander series, where they would exercise together and complete community volunteering projects.
Sandy is survived by her loving husband, Greg Emerson, of more than 40 years; daughter, Andrea Blain; son, Aaron Stuart and his wife, Natalia Stuart; grandchildren, Connor Stuart, Sydney and Caroline Blain, Courtney Collins and her husband, Rob Towne, Alexandra Szawranskyj, and Adam Vormwald; great-grandchildren, Peyton and Meredith Collins, and Lawson Towne; brothers, David Smallidge and Jonathan Smallidge and his wife, Lesley; many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Friends and family are welcome to a celebration of life for both Sandy and her mother, Anne Smallidge, who passed away February 20, 2025, on June 7, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Neighborhood House, 1 Kimball Terrace, Northeast Harbor, Maine. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in her name.