Obituary of Douglas F. Avery

Douglas Avery, 80, went to be with his Lord March 12, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born July 14, 1942 in Lubec, the son of the late Paul and Ruby Avery.

Doug graduated from Lubec High School in 1960 and later moved to Brewer, where he obtained his Commercial Driver’s License.  Initially he worked a variety of jobs and later in steel fabrication at Bancroft & Martin Steel Mill in Brewer (1962-1977).  Doug served and trained as an enlisted tanker for the United States Army and served in Germany from 1964-1966.  Doug later worked in sales for Schwan’s Foods and for Country Kitchen. His employment was completely interrupted for a few years after a fall from his roof in 1980.  After some recovery and multiple operations, he took up his true love of carpentry until retirement. Doug’s most beloved place to reside was at his cottage on Grand Manan Island, Canada, a place he built from the ground up, with assistance of his family. He loved building the “camp,” touring the island, the view from the veranda, the solitude and, most of all, the people on his precious island. His other love was his snow blowing and snow plowing jobs. Doug was a very ambitious, loving and caring husband and dad.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one brother, Paul Avery and his 8 year old sister, Henrietta Sue “Sally” Avery.  He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Donna (Ingersoll) of Brewer; two wonderful children, Melissa F. Burns of Bangor and Darren R. Avery and his wife, Emily of Auburn; four precious grandchildren, Josiah Burns, Addison, Owen and Hayden Avery.  Doug always enjoyed attending many of their events, was proud of their accomplishments, and always loved their visits to Brewer and Grand Manan. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Hazel Avery; two nephews, Dana Avery, Gregg Avery and his wife, Rosie; niece, Joan Avery; and two cousins with whom he was close, Wayne Mills and Hattiesue Frail.

A service honoring Douglas’ life will be held at 2pm Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Hermon Baptist Church on Route 2, in Hermon.  Visiting hours will precede the ceremony from 12:30 – 2 pm and a reception will be held immediately following the service.  Burial will be at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery, Brewer.  For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at HERE. Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer. Messages and memories of Douglas may be shared with his family on the tribute wall of kileyandfoley.com.