John Stewart Okie, a much-loved local artisan, devoted husband and compassionate father, died on July 16 at his home in Newcastle.
John founded and was the creative force behind the successful Wiscasset-based Sheepscott River Pottery, which has operated at multiple locations along the coast of Maine for more than three decades.
His pottery reflected his personality and talent with brilliantly colored opalescent glazes and widely popular local motifs, such as his favorite, the Maine Island pattern. One common theme, which he would revisit during his long career, was reminiscent of Japanese brush painting, beautiful in its simplicity. His recent work, in a return to an earlier period, expressed color and form in stunning iridescent metallic glazes. John will be deeply missed but his pottery graces the homes of countless admirers in Maine, New England and across the world.
Whether during shop visits, on the ski-slopes, or on the waters of the Maine coast, John’s many friends enjoyed his ready smile, warmth, and graciousness.
John was an exceptional natural athlete. As a young man, he played hockey for Darien High School and Boston University. He excelled at many sports including skiing, surfing, biking, boating, windsurfing, and hiking. Willing to try just about anything, he once encouraged the whole family to ski a glacier in the Alps above Chamonix, France. Drawn by his love of the Maine coast, coupled with his youthful athleticism, John took up surfing at the age of 55 and enjoyed trips with his son, Johnny, to Popham Beach. Around Wiscasset, John could often be seen riding his bike on the 7-mile route to the pottery shop, with his beloved dog, Schatzie, perched in her front basket.
John’s constant guidance, encouragement and love sustained his daughter Rylan throughout her four years in college and later into her career in Boston. Karen and John were married for 25 love-filled years, spending almost every day together; they were best friends.
John Stewart Okie was born in Darien, Conn. in 1948 to parents William and Louise Okie. He initially attended Boston University and Curry College. Then, seeking an outlet for his prodigious creative talent, he studied ceramics and received a bachelors’ degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter, Rylan; son, Johnny; brother, Ted Okie; and sister, Louisa McKown.
“A Gathering of Remembrance for John S. Okie” 7:30 p.m., Thurs., July 26 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Academy Hill Rd., Newcastle.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers or other remembrances, donations be made to the John S. Okie Memorial Fund at the First National Bank of Damariscotta, located in Wiscasset, at 39 Gardiner Rd., P.O. Box 431, Wiscasset, ME 04578. (207)-882-9515.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home in Boothbay.
