BRISTOL, N.H., and GRAY – The Rev. Douglas P. Hedstrom, 56, of Bristol, N.H., died unexpectedly June 19, 2010, at Maine Medical Center with his loving family by his side, including his wife, Jane (MacEwen), whom he married, Feb. 19, 1977, in Orrington, and their three children, Stuart of Dover-Foxcroft, Leah of Bristol and Seth of Falmouth. Doug was born Nov. 6, 1953, in Caribou, the son of Theodore and Evelyn (Larsson) Hedstrom. He was raised in Westmanland and graduated from Caribou High School. He attended the University of Maine and received his Master of Divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School, Newton Centre, Mass. Doug was ordained in 1981 and had been active in parish ministry for 29 years. He served as the pastor of Trinity United Church, Seabrook, N.H.; Centre Street Congregational Church UCC, Machias; First Congregational Church UCC, Gray; and most recently Bristol United Church of Christ of Bristol, N.H. In each church community Doug facilitated Bible studies, lead confirmation classes, was involved with youth groups, and was always available to meet every parishioners’ need. Beyond the church, Doug was very active within each community. He participated in Memorial Day observances, Fourth of July parades and other holiday events, delivered invocations for many town meetings, was active in scouting, service organizations and fundraisers, as well as many other activities. Doug was never a man to be idle, always taking on a new project or lending a hand with someone else’s. Through his love of carpentry, Doug was a volunteer in Pemi-Valley chapter of Habitat for Humanity and was working on his second project for the organization – a home in Rumney, N.H. His own projects included his longtime hobby of designing and building utility trailers, landscaping and gardening, and home improvements. Other survivors include his five brothers, Marvin and Ola of Caribou, Warren and Nell of Orono, Gary and Anita of Farmington, Alton and Sharon of Caribou and David and Kathy of St. Thomas, Pa.; two sisters, Marie Garland of Bar Harbor and Letha and Myron VanKirk of Tucson, Ariz., and Sinclair; sister-in-law, Julia and James Bishop of Bangor; as well as many nephews and nieces. Visiting hours will be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, at Bristol United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, June 24, at Bristol United Church of Christ. Burial will occur at North Orrington Cemetery, Orrington, at a later date. Donations may be made in Doug’s memory to Bristol United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 424, Bristol, NH 03222. Arrangements have been entrusted to Emmons Funeral Home, Bristol, N.H.
THE REV. DOUGLAS P. HEDSTROM
