SWANS ISLAND – Mark D. Stanley, 50, died Thursday, April 4, 2013, at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital with his family by his side. He was born Sept. 17, 1962, in Bar Harbor, son of George and Altha (Orcutt) Stanley.
He was a member of Odd Fellows Lodge of Swans Island, and Swans Island Fire Department. Mark attended Mount Desert Island High School. On Aug. 4, 2005, Mark married the love of his life, Jane (Gilbert) Stanley, at Advent Christian Church, Swans Island. One of his first jobs was fishing for Carroll Lunt out of Bass Harbor. Mark enjoyed working with wood. He owned and operated MD Stanley Builders. He learned the trade, as did his brothers, at the side of their dad, George. After working in many occupations, he fully devoted himself to his passion of building. He built his own lobster boat, Altha Orcutt, and worked for a time at Restoration Society of Rhode Island. Mark also rebuilt the steeple at the Baptist church and reconditioned the bell at Advent Christian Church, Swans Island. Mark enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, his dogs and riding his motorcycle. He had an unshakable faith in Jesus and it showed in his love for others.
He is survived by his wife, Jane; father, George and wife, Carolyn; sons, Alexander of New Hampshire and Nicholas of New York; granddaughter, Piper Stanley of New Hampshire; siblings; Belva and husband, Joe Staples, Lawrence “Sonny” Stanley and wife, Lisa, and George Stanley III and wife, Linnea; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and his most faithful companion, Ester. Mark was predeceased by his mother, Altha, in January 1998.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, at Advent Christian Church, Swans Island, with J. Max Creswell officiating. Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery. The boat leaves 9 a.m. in Bass Harbor. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Swans Island Fire Department, attention Robert Gardner, Swans Island, ME 04685. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert. Condolences may be expressed at
www.jordanfernald.com.
Mark D. Stanley
