BANGOR – David Frederick Stearns, 80, passed away Feb. 11, 2009, at a local hospital, with his family by his side. David was born Jan. 29, 1929, in Rockland. He was the son of William and Bertha (Brann) Stearns. David lived in the Camden and Rockland area for most of his life before settling in Bangor. He worked as a carpenter for many years, prior to his employment with Knox Woolen Mill, Camden, as a maintenance supervisor. He worked there for more than 19 years. After it closed, he was the last employee to watch over the mill until it was eventually purchased and renovated by MBNA. He then worked for MBNA in Camden and Orono for the maintenance department until his retirement in 2006 after 13 years of service. David was considered a gifted carpenter by many. He built four houses in his lifetime and remodeled many, many others. He used to joke that he was a “jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none.” He is survived by his devoted partner of more than 60 years, Albertress Stearns of Orono; and his children, Roberta Philbrook of Scarborough, David Stearns and his wife, Linda, of Appleton, Wayne Stearns of Bangor, and Heidi Cobb and her husband, John, of Holden. He is also survived by six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and he will be greatly missed by them. Family and friends may visit 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden, where a funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, with Pastor Chuck Langbein officiating. Interment will be private at Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the David F. Stearns Memorial Cancer Fund for CancerCare of Maine, care of Healthcare Charities, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.
DAVID FREDERICK STEARNS
