John Gordon Field Sr.

John Gordon Field, Sr. died peacefully on New Year’s Eve at The Cedars Nursing Facility with his wife, Darlene, by his side, ending a lengthy decline from an accident in 2013.  He was known as Jack, by many, and lovingly called Jackie by his family of origin. Born in Bar Harbor, Maine on October 3, 1934, to Ralph H. Field and Mildred B. Keezer, he was the youngest of nine children.

He attended Mount Desert Island High School, joined the Marine Corps, and went on to earn a degree in business administration from Husson College. He worked as treasurer for the City of Bangor for almost 30 years.

In 1988, his wife, Martha “Mardi” Millett Field, of 29 years, died unexpectedly.

When he retired in 1992, John established Riverside Antiques with friend, Duke Nolte. In 2002 after moving to southern Maine, he became a Wing Shooting Instructor for LL Bean's Outdoor Discovery program for ten years.  

He was introduced to duck hunting as a young boy which became a passion he pursued throughout his life. This led to later establishing the Hermon Trap and Skeet Club in 1966, with a group of friends, and a lifelong enthusiasm with clay target shooting and competitions.  He won many trophies and championships throughout his years of shooting. He was a member of the Downeast Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, the Penobscot County Conservation Club and was a Hunter and Safety Instructor. He was also a member of the Bangor Jaycees, in which he helped organize many Paul Bunyan snowmobile fundraising races, and was involved with the Untied States Snowmobile Association for 7 years.

John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He could often be found playing board games, cribbage, or in attendance at meets, games, recitals, concerts, and any and all events of his grandchildren.   Wherever he lived he had a special group of friends and neighbors whom he cherished.

He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife, brothers Ralph "Bunny" Field and Donald Field, sisters Alice Lymburner, Mary "Pat" Young, Helen Bonesio, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Dyment, and Carol Carter, beloved nephews Ralph “Teddy” Field, Paul Lymburner, Joseph Bonesio, Timothy Dyment, and nieces Nancy Dyment and Ann Maltby.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Darlene Folsom Field, sister, Betsy "Betty" Doyle of Bar Harbor, daughter Susan Pierce and her husband Robert of Alfred, son John Field, Jr. and his wife Jayne of Bangor,  step daughters Terri Clements and her husband Stephen of West Gardiner, Wendi McPike and her husband, Aaron of Cumberland, 10 grandchildren, Katherine Pierce Chute, Hannah, Lauren, Charlotte, and Jackson Pierce, Katie Randall, Joshua and Emily McPike, Nickolas and Marshall Clements, two great grandchildren, Alison Brochu and Yareev Chute, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

John was noted for his candor and sarcasm. He loved to socialize and was well known for his downeast humor and one liners. Many in his family and others often looked to him for advice and approval.  He felt that to have a successful life you need to be true to yourself, work hard and ignore negative opinions.  "The most important thing is to stay happy."

There are no words to express our gratitude for the many professional caregivers who supported and walked alongside John and his family since his accident. Special thank you to the staff at Respite Care of Brunswick, the caring staff from Advantage Home Care, and the wonderful staff from the Cedars in Portland.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at The Congregational Church in Cumberland with interment at a later date at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Respite Care, 41-4 Greenwood Drive, Brunswick, Maine 04011.

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