Blaine Herbert Burhoe Jr.

Dover-Foxcroft - Blaine Herbert Burhoe, Jr., known by many as "Bub", 72, died peacefully at his home on March 21, 2026. He was born December 24, 1953, in Farmington, Maine, to Blaine H. Burhoe, Sr. and Lillian Frances (Williams) Burhoe.

Growing up on the family farm in North Jay, Blaine first began venturing into the woods at about nine years old, logging with his father, grandfather, uncles, and brothers. Among those closest to Blaine was his uncle, Hal Burhoe, only six years older and more like a brother than an uncle. This time would shape the course of his professional life. It was about that time when Blaine noticed his cousin had an old five string guitar that looked pretty cool. Being the resourceful type, Blaine made his own "guitar" from a box and some dynamite wire, beginning one of the great passions of his life: music. Shortly after, his mother bought him an acoustic guitar, the instrument was never far from reach.

Upon graduating from high school, Blaine tried his hand at several jobs, but none held the appeal of the freedom and independence he felt being in the woods; he returned to logging and never looked back. He remained an independent logger for roughly fifty years operating Featherlight Logging for much of that time, passing traditions and a love of the outdoors and music to his children and grandchildren. As a quintessential Maine outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, camping, cycling and time in the woods, especially Baxter State Park.

Inspired by his grandfather, who sang a cappella, and his mother, a piano player who often greeted him after school with the Charlie Brown theme song, he played in various local bands in high school and became a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and performed with Bing Crosby and Pure Country playing all over the state. In the early 70s, a new sound filtered out of Nashville, one that truly spoke to Blaine's soul: outlaw country. He joined a group of like-minded musicians, and they toured up and down the state as Allagash for several years. Following Allagash Blaine continued playing music at venues around the state for decades. In recognition of his musicianship, he received the Denny Breau Maine Guitarist Award in 2016 from the Pine Tree State Country Music Association.

His love of exploring the woods sparked his desire to explore other parts of the country and the world. In 2003, he and his friend, Vic Morin, completed a cross-country cycling trip from Washington state to Abbot, Maine. In 2011, he and Morin bicycled across the state to raise awareness for suicide prevention in support of the JD Foundation. Among his most memorable travels were trips to Alaska, including a 2014 adventure with his wife, Elise, in their refurbished 1987 Toyota camper to celebrate the 80th birthday of longtime family friend, Gene Earnest.

Those who knew Blaine can attest to his sense of humor. He was always ready with a quick retort, no matter what the situation. He was just as ready to pitch in to help a friend or family member in need. There was never a project too big. Blaine was the living embodiment of Yankee ingenuity, painstakingly crafting furniture, repairing anything mechanical, and creating custom tools to "do the right job". For all his independence, he was most at ease in the company of family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Blaine was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, James, William, and Michael and his aunt, Sherry (Coolidge) Burhoe. He is survived by his wife, Elise (Allen) Burhoe; children, Tami Burhoe-Brann and her husband, Keith, Joshua Burhoe, Amanda Gauthier and her husband, Douglas; stepchildren, Spencer O'Neil, Emily Heindl and her husband, Connor, and Dennis O'Neil and his wife, Gabrielle; grandchildren, Bretteney Sanders, Casey Burhoe, Maureen Brann, Thomas Brann, Liam Gauthier, Grace Gauthier, Rory O'Neil, and Keegan O'Neil; brother, Donald Burhoe; aunt, Shirley LeSuer; and his uncle, Halstead Burhoe.

A celebration of Blaine's life will be held on June 20, 2026, at Central Hall Commons, 152 East Main St, Dover-Foxcroft. Guests are welcome to arrive at 2:00 p.m., with a program beginning at 2:15 p.m, casual attire. In memory of Blaine Burhoe, please make a donation to support Clayton's House which provides lodging for cancer patients and their caregivers. Checks payable to The Dempsey Center and mail to: P.O. Box 277, Auburn, ME 04212. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.