Clayton Dean Jones

Clayton Dean Jones

1950 – 2025

A Son of the Island

Clayton Dean Jones, 75, of Pretty Marsh, passed away at home on August 26, 2025. Known for his gruff exterior, sharp wit, and deep love for animals and the island he called home, Clayton was a beloved figure to all who knew him.

Born in Northeast Harbor in 1950 to Haline and Dean Jones, Clayton grew up with the sea always within reach. His mother, Haline, worked as a housekeeper in one of the grand summer homes of Northeast Harbor, and his father, Dean, was a skilled cabinetmaker, known for his fine interior finish work at Hinckley. Clayton often spoke fondly of summer days spent playing on the beaches near his mother's work, or rowing out to Greening Island with his father to lend a hand with carpentry jobs. These memories shaped his love for craftsmanship, nature, and the quiet magic of island life.

For over 30 years, Clayton worked as a caretaker in Pretty Marsh, looking after dozens of homes and properties across Mount Desert Island. More than just a job, caretaking became a way of life - built on loyalty, trust, and the no-nonsense dependability he was known for. He could fix anything and was often described as a man who got things done with quiet skill and directness.

Before becoming a caretaker, Clayton worked for the Town of Mount Desert, where he shared, with characteristic dry humor, harrowing tales of plowing the winding roads of Sargent Drive and Cooksey Drive during fierce winter storms - always with a glint of pride in his eye.

Clayton had a deep respect for history, especially World War II. He spent years lovingly restoring a 1944 Willys Jeep, which he proudly drove in local parades, often giving rides to veterans. He believed in honoring those who served - and did so in both word and deed.

A true lover of animals, Clayton and his wife shared their home with a dozen good dogs over the years and several miniature ponies that became local icons in Pretty Marsh. He was known for going out of his way to help injured wildlife; for many summers, he diligently fed orphaned baby foxes until they were ready to return to the woods.

Clayton carried a treasure trove of island stories and history - from how Northeast Harbor was dredged into the harbor it is today, to the names and lives of those who built the island's iconic stone bridges. He vividly recalled being driven to Echo Lake by the chauffeur from his mother's summer house job, spending the day swimming, then being treated to an ice cream cone "as big as your head."

He loved the sea and was often seen exploring the islands off Bartlett in his Whaler, swapping stories and sharp-witted commentary with lobstermen and fisherman at the landing. In the summertime, he drove his beloved 1953 Ford pickup truck - a vehicle he cherished, not just for its history, but for the conversations it sparked with fellow car lovers.

He was a true character - gruff, yes, but endlessly good-hearted.

Clayton is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joan Jones; his daughters, Alissa (Jones) Wetherbee and her husband Mike; Debra Estep and her children, Luke and Grace; Nancy Estep-Critchett and her husband Chris and daughter Claire; and Art Estep, along with his wife and children. He is also survived by his faithful black lab, Henry.

A memorial and celebration of Clayton's life will be held in late October. Details will be shared by the family at a later date.

Clayton Dean Jones was truly a son of the island - a man shaped by the rugged beauty of Mount Desert, a life built on joyful memories, hard work, and quiet strength. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and great heart. He will be deeply missed.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com