MOUNT DESERT – Owen Craighead Sr. died unexpectedly July 2, 2011, at a Bangor hospital. Owen was born April 30, 1936, in Stamford, Conn., to Theodora and W. Owen Craighead.
Owen married his “one and only sweetheart,” Barbara, Oct. 20, 1956. They raised their family in Ridgefield, Conn., and for more than 20 years enjoyed many family camping vacations at Mount Desert Campground. After years with Perkin Elmer Corp., Owen, along with Barbara, purchased their beloved campground in 1984 and moved to Mount Desert Island. Owen’s love for the land on which the campground was built as well as his steadfast faith sustained the family business, which continues to be operated by his children today. The great influences in Owen’s early life were his maternal grandmother, Caroline Thieme and “Mr. Anderson,” the organist and choirmaster at his church. Their guidance and love shaped Owen into a man of great integrity and ability that he shared freely, enriching the lives of so many young people, among them his children, grandchildren and a great-grandchild, all of whom profoundly grieve his loss. Owen had a love for the ocean and enjoyed many trips with family and friends aboard his boat, Perspective. He found joy in woodworking, “messing about” in his shop, and working every spring, summer and fall in the campground. He was a member of Church of our Father, Hulls Cove, a men’s prayer group which continues to faithfully meet every week at his shop; he volunteered in his community, and shared the gift of giving with many.
Owen is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara; three children, Donna Beals and her husband, Tim, Penny Lefferts, and Owen Craighead Jr. and his wife, Kim; also seven grandchildren, Christopher, Caroline and Eric Beals, Lauren Bollentino and her husband, Andy, Andrew Lefferts, Elise and Samuel Craighead; one great-grandchild, Evan Beals; his sister, Sallie Leighton; brother, George Howard; as well as three nieces, cousins and many friends.
A service to celebrate Owen’s life will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 8, at Church of Our Father, Hulls Cove. A reception will be afterward at Hulls Cove School House, across from the church. Remembrances may be made to Maine Occupational Therapy Association, 745 Genthner Road, Waldoboro, ME 04572 or Maine Island Trail Association, 58 Fore St., Suite 30-3, Portland, ME 04101-4849.