Abbot - After a period of declining health, Steven John Maines passed away March 23, 2023, surrounded by love and family. Born in Bar Harbor on November 10, 1943, Steve was the eldest son of John and Julia (Holmes) Maines. Raised in the Bangor area, he was a graduate of Brewer High School and the University of Maine. After receiving a degree in Chemical Engineering, he spent most of his working life as a professional photographer. It was a job of which he often said, "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life." After retiring from photography, he worked as a substitute teacher in area schools and a study hall monitor at Foxcroft Academy. He also served briefly in the army and was a Vietnam War veteran.
Steve's passions were his family; international travel, particularly to places off the beaten track; skiing; gardening; foreign cultures and cuisines; reading; adventures of any kind; and music. He played the guitar, banjo, churango, and fiddle. For each son in turn, he planned a trip to a foreign country when they turned 10. He was known for his sense of humor, concern for the environment and helping others.
Steve was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Linda (Maines) Rollins and Susan (Maines) Good; and brother-in-law, Kevin Kelley. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Martha (Foss) Maines of Abbot; sons, Adam and wife, Elisa (Hurder), of Colorado, Martin and wife, Kate Coseo, of Unity, Jeremy and wife, Abigail Chase, of Edgcomb, Ian and wife, Lindsey (Reynolds), of Gray, Benjamin of California, and Samuel of Waterville. He was Pop-pop to grandchildren, Ethan, McKenzie, Lucy, Asher, Delphina, Adalie, Nora, Ivy and Piper. He is also survived by his brother, Douglas Maines and wife, Deborah; sister, Martha Maines; brothers-in-law, Douglas Rollins and James Good; sister-in-law, Jerry Yoder; former wife, Chris Kramer; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. Over the years he was called "Dad" by 5 AFS exchange students; Meli (Paraguay), Gift (Thailand), Anushree and Jerry (India), and Hanne (Switzerland).