Edward Dean Adams II, 79, passed away on Aug. 17 due to complications from a severe stroke. He spent his last few days surrounded by his loving family and friends at Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta.
Dean, as he was known to his friends, was born in Bridgeport, Conn. on Dec. 17, 1927, to Marion and Kempton Adams of Redding Ridge, Conn. He attended Admiral Farragut Academy and Clarkson University. He served in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft mechanic.
In February 1954, while skiing at Mad River Glen in Vermont, Dean met Eleanor “Punky” Prescott as he pulled her out of a snow bank. They were married in Maine the following August at the Walpole Meeting House.
Dean worked as a tool designer for Homelite Inc. and in 1960, moved his family from Greenwich, Conn. to South Bristol. Throughout his years in Maine, Dean worked as a fisherman, land surveyor and boat builder.
Dean marched to his own rhythm in life, finding peace and serenity in the woods and on the ocean. He was an avid woodsman, sharing his love and knowledge of the outdoors with his family and many other youngsters from South Bristol by volunteering as a scoutmaster for a number of years.
Dean loved the state of Maine and lived life to its fullest by skiing, sailing, golfing, canoeing, camping and hiking. He instilled independence and the love of nature in his children through these outdoor passions.
Dean was a do-it-yourselfer, a patient teacher and life-long learner, embracing new ideas and technologies. He made regular use of his telescope, camera, computer, tractor, chipper, and chainsaws.
Dean was a kind and compassionate man, always ready for a good conversation. He was a quiet philanthropist, generously giving to environmental, educational and arts organizations. He had a soft spot for helping children who had special medical needs.
Dean is survived by his wife, Punky of 53 years; daughters, Tracy Wilson Adams of Woolwich, Nancy Miner Adams and partner Cory Hanna of Newcastle, and Alison Brewer “BB” Adams of Newcastle; and grandchildren, Margret and Kathryn Wilson, and Benjamin, Emily and Forrest Meader.
Memorial service to celebrate Dean’s life 2 p.m., Tues., Aug. 28 at the Union Church in South Bristol. A reception will be held in the parish hall directly following the service.
Dean’s family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Lincoln Academy Visual and Performing Arts Programs, Attn: Kathe Cheska, 81 Academy Hill, Newcastle, ME 04553.
