Lewis Butterfield

Lewis Wayne Butterfield, 80, of Bangor, passed away on November 26, 2025, from a dementia related illness. He was born August 15, 1945 in Bath, Maine, the son of Hollis and Charlotte (Osgood) Butterfield. 

Lewis was raised in Danforth, Maine, with his mother, brothers and sisters, they lost his father at a very young age. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 but quickly realized that it was not a good fit. He served just under a year before he was honorably discharged. 

He lived as a young adult in Connecticut and then returned to live in Maine for the remainder of his life. He enjoyed spending multiple winters in Florida and also traveled to Israel many times for extended visits. He has been under the care of the Maine Veterans Home in Bangor for the past 18 months.

It was always his goal to bring a smile to those around him, he loved to laugh and tease and many times would remind people to smile more. He hardly met someone he couldn't win over and make conversation with. He had a way of looking for the positive in every situation and would often share this sage advice; "You wake up in the morning and you choose EXCELLENT, then you keep it all day and don't let anyone take it away."

Always seeking adventure and never letting circumstances keep him from succeeding, he forged his own path in life. He settled in his career as a self-employed window cleaner, which he continued for more than 35 years. He took great pride in giving his customers excellent service and always sought to work hard and to encourage hard work in those around him. Starting with local residential and commercial clients, his reputation helped him to grow his business to be primarily coastal, gaining work for some of the country's most affluent families at their summer estates. He had many employees over the years, always expecting no less than their best work efforts. This strong work ethic was something he fervently instilled in his children, at one point or another, each of them were employed by A Touch for Glass, with his daughter taking over the company when he became unable to work.

It was as an adult that he discovered the saving message of the gospel of Jesus. This faith became a cornerstone of his life and led him to congregations in both Maine and Florida where he found joy and created lifelong connections with those he worshiped beside. He most recently enjoyed observing Shabbat with his friends who gather in Parkman. He also lived his faith by spending time in local organizations dedicated to the homeless and those in most need in the community.

He saw beauty in all of God's creation, from the vast ocean coastline to the vibrant colors of sunrises and sunsets. Traveling gave him the opportunity to experience the magnificent Grand Canyon, the sandy beaches of Florida, and the rolling fields of Israel. He was in awe of the simplicity of things too, such as the colors of autumn leaves and dew that formed on the morning grass. He marveled always at how bright the blue sky could be and enjoyed spending time outside in the warmth of the sun.

Of all the things he accomplished in life his greatest joy was his children; he never shied away from sharing his pride in them. He was a loving and devoted father, often sacrificing his own wants and needs to provide them with amazing memories. There was no place he would rather be than spending time with family, even as his dementia progressed there was no subject he would speak of more. He never lost the ability to recognize his girls and, even just prior to his passing, some of his last words were to his daughters to say "I love you."

Lewis was predeceased by his parents and siblings as well as his son, Michael. He is survived by his daughters, Michelle Powers (Ted) of Veazie, Leslie Butterfield (Warren) of Greenbush, Carrie Marquis (Adam) of Corinth, and Kylee Doyon (Steven) of Hermon. He was Papa to twelve grandchildren in Maine and Kentucky. He will also be greatly missed by his many loving friends, including best friends, Wally and Gail Kimball. He is survived by one sister, Faye; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the incredible staff of the Maine Veterans Home in Bangor for the care and love that was shown to our father in his time there. Our gratitude for the kindness that was extended to our family and the support as we navigated this disease and the effects of it is something that will live forever in our hearts. We would also like to thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice for the support and care he received in these final weeks.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 5-7pm Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the Maine Veterans' Home, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME.