Peter Newkirk

Winslow, Maine

Peter James Newkirk, 68, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a trusted public servant, and a lifelong steward of the land.

Born on April 19, 1957, in Morristown, New Jersey, Peter was the son of Mona (Cotton) Newkirk and Chester Halsey Newkirk. He grew up in Green Village, New Jersey, and graduated from Morristown High School in 1975. After working as a landscaper and tree surgeon in his early years, Peter chose to return to school, following his interest in the natural world and how to care for it. He earned an Associate degree in Biology from County College of Morris and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1986.

Peter dedicated himself to public service and environmental stewardship and built a career grounded in service, practicality, and respect for the environment, work that reflected a lifelong connection to the outdoors and the land. He began as an Agricultural Engineer with the Towanda, Pennsylvania Soil and Water Conservation District and later joined the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, with roles in Durham and Keene, New Hampshire, and Augusta, Maine. In 2000, he became an Environmental Engineer with positions at the Maine Department of Transportation and Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

He took pride in doing work that mattered and approached each of his contributions with deep commitment and a strong sense of responsibility to his community. At the time of his passing, he was serving as Chair of the Town of Winslow Planning Board.

At the heart of Peter's life was his family and friends. He shared a lifelong bond with Mark Brown, along with Mark's wife Patty and their son Evan of Webster, New York, a relationships that helped shape the course of his life. It was Mark who led Peter to Virginia Tech. There Peter met, Kathleen (Kate) (Weaver O'Boyle Molten) Newkirk, who would become his wife and partner in every sense. They were married on May 14, 1988, at Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia. From the very beginning, Peter embraced Kate's son Jason Wyatt Molten as his own, and their family was complete. He took great joy in being a husband, father, and later a grandfather. His grandchildren - Nora, Charles, and Victoria - were a special source of pride and happiness.

Peter will be remembered for his steady character, strong voice, and natural curiosity about the world around him. He was happiest outdoors - fishing quiet waters, walking his land, and spending time with his beloved dog, Jackson, as well as the many dogs and cats he cared for over the years. A builder at heart, he was equally drawn to large, practical projects and to small creations like intricate dollhouses and castles for his grandchildren. Those who knew him will remember his profound respect for the land, his community, and the people he loved.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Thomas Newkirk; and his sister, Michel Fairchild.

Peter is survived by his beloved wife, Kate; his son, Jason Molten, and wife Amy of Carlisle, Massachusetts; and his much-loved grandchildren, Nora, Charles, and Victoria. He is also survived by his brothers, Gary Newkirk and his wife Liz of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Bill Newkirk and his wife Susan of Providence, Rhode Island; as well as his sister, Judy (Newkirk) Smith and her husband Bill of Belvidere, New Jersey; along with the many cherished nieces and nephews in the O'Boyle, Newkirk, and Molten families.

There will be a Celebration of Life in the spring, with details to be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Peter Newkirk to Winslow Community Cupboard.