John T. Lansell, 63, of Damariscotta, passed away at Midcoast Hospital in Brunswick on Oct. 13, following a long illness.
He was born in Morristown, N.J. on April 8, 1944, son of the late Marian (Weymouth) and John T. Lansell, Sr. He moved to Maine as a child with his family to Rockland and Damariscotta. John attended school in the Damariscotta area while his father worked as manager of Round Top Farm and Dairy. John’s family moved to Biscay Pond, Damariscotta in the 1950’s.
John enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in Recruit Training Command, USNTC, Great Lakes, Ill. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, John began his career in the U.S Merchant Marine. He was promoted through the ranks from 3rd Asst. Engineer to Chief Engineer. He sailed as Chief Engineer for five years prior to retiring in 1997.
John’s illustrious and dedicated career included working for Waterman Steam Ship Co., SeaLand, Inc., eleven years with Central Gulf Lines on the S.S. Rover. During his last five years in the Merchant Marines he served as Chief Engineer aboard the S.S. Rover (chartered to MSC) as an ammunition/explosives transport from the United States to Europe. He served both as a Chief and Port Engineer charged with comprehensive assigned responsibilities. John continued his on-going education having received certification in all aspects of maritime administration and related technical skills. He maintained a State of Maine Stationary Steam Engineer First Class License following his retirement from the Merchant Marines in 1997.
It was only months after retirement that he longed for “the hum of the turbines and rolling of the ship.” It was during this time that John, with the encouragement of friends, became actively involved in specializing in technical and scientific antiques. He became known over the years as “Ye Old Steam Nut” and was often seen steaming along the shores of Biscay Pond in his steam powered rowboat, SS Lil Toot. He quickly gained an international reputation for Internet sales and was often seen at local and regional flea markets stalking a steam whistle or other technical delectable.
John’s interest in technical and mechanical history began at a young age inspired by his father. He had a natural thirst for history, the out of doors and a true dedication to his several Chesapeake Retrievers. Over the past month he had to find a new home for his best friend, Chester. Through Chesapeake Safe Harbor, Bremen, an exceptionally appropriate new home was found. The new owner did bring Chester to visit John several times.
John was an active founding volunteer of the Owls Head Transportation Museum, Owls Head. Prior to retirement he volunteered in the 1970’s and 80’s with museum auctions and was known for operating the 1913 International Tractor (see photo above) and the 10 Ton Buffalo Springfield Steam Roller. He was a member of Atlantic Challenge, Rockland, and a member of the Damariscotta Baptist Church.
John enjoyed helping people as much as he loved the sea. He was always there when needed and was willing and able to assist friends with mechanical repairs.
John is survived by his sister, Patricia Withee of Ocala, Fla.; nephews, Gordon Buzzell of New Bedford, Mass., and Aaron Withee of Ocala, Fla.; nieces, Teresa Cousins of Ocala, Fla., and Lisa Bannister of Ocala, Fla.; and cousins, Bonnie Mcshane of Northfield, Vt., Jane Bryant of Northfield, Vt., and Jack Bryant of Cape Cod, Mass.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at the Owls Head Transportation Museum in the spring of 2008.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Waldoboro. The date of a spring celebration and service will be announced in advance to family and friends.
Memorial donations may be made in John’s memory to First Baptist Church Steeple Fund, Town of Damariscotta, Attn: Greg Zinser, 21 School St., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
