Gilbert F. Maxfield

Just as he would've wanted, Gilbert passed away peacefully, in his home, while holding the hand of his beloved wife Susan.

Born in New London, NH, Gil was the son of Frank L. Maxfield and Virginia L. (Davis) Maxfield. He grew up in Canterbury, NH with his sister Winnie (Maxfield) Harwood and his brother Bob Maxfield. After they married, Gil and Susan moved to Kittery Point, ME to raise their daughters, Janice (Maxfield) Estes and Cara Maxfield-Fetterhoff. They later divided their time between Northwood, NH and their lovingly renovated cottage in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Gil was a kind, patient and generous person. He was quick to lend a hand to any friend, neighbor or stranger; there were few problems he wouldn't attempt to solve. In our home he was the first to say good morning, the first to greet you at the door, the first to make you a snack…all with a smile on his face.

Gil lovingly shared his extensive knowledge of nature, animals and building with his children and his grandchildren; Emily Maxfield, Riley Sheahan, Evan Cals and Julia Cals. There was always something for us to learn from him. He encouraged our endeavors as if they were his own; hanging a basketball hoop, throwing a softball, driving to swimming and theatre and the horse barn, cheering from the bleachers with great enthusiasm, carrying Susan's easels and framing her paintings by the dozens.

Carpentry and building were always a part of Gil's life; both as a career and as a lifestyle. He was an accomplished, finish carpenter and cabinet maker. He could sketch a house design in minutes; on notebooks, napkins, scraps of wood and so many of those designs came to fruition both in his daughters homes and in the homes that he and Susan built together; the last, a reproduction cape built in 1988, housed all the children and grandchildren at some point; it hosted weddings and parties and holidays. Gil and Sue continued renovating their cottage in PEI until just recently and we will cherish Gil's craftsmanship for years and years to come.

Gil had a lifelong love of automobiles. He could tell you the make, model, (custom) color and sticker price of each of his early cars. Even as dementia made life challenging he could identify most passing vehicles.

Gilbert and Susan were married almost 60 years. They were partners and parents and best friends. Over the years they were lucky enough to spend time and travel with friends, neighbors (near and far) and family: Scott Estes; Nathan Fetterhoff; Doug Cals; Lynn, Scott, Hunter and Winter Bardusk; Sally and Bob Pierce; Steve and Midge Leighton; Mike and Patty Leighton; Mari Perry Buote and countless other PEI friends and neighbors.

Each and every one of us will miss him fiercely.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Audobon society. www.Audubon.org

An at-home celebration of Gil's beautiful life will be planned for the spring.