Obituary of Jon Young Sanborn

Jon Young Sanborn, 49, passed away on April 24, 2025, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, after a prolonged period of declining health. Jon was born in Bangor on June 11, 1975, to Harry M. and Laura J. (Young) Sanborn. Jon was a beloved and devoted father, husband, son, brother and loyal friend.

Jon leaves behind his loving family, Kendra, Phoebe and Norah - he was so proud of his two daughters and never missed an opportunity to tell everyone about them. He is dearly remembered by his parents, Harry and Laura, and his sister Laurie Turner (Husband Eric). Jon was a proud and loving uncle to his nieces and nephews, Julia and Amelia Turner and Max and Chet Shorter.  Jon also leaves behind two forever friends, Tony Manzo and Andy Crawford, along with a host of others from all phases of his life, as well as in-laws John and Mary Turner and his sister-in-law Johnna Shorter.  Recently he found great joy in spending time with Lucy, Minnie and Fluff, the newest cats Phoebe and Norah have added to the family.  Jon was predeceased by his grandparents, Elmer and Freda Sanborn and Earl and Rose Young.  

Jon embraced life fully and on his own terms. He lived with passion and appreciation for all that life had to offer, savoring each moment to its fullest. He had the ability to make a friend out of everyone he met, we often spent time waiting for him to wrap up a conversation with a new friend.  Other times, we just simply waited for Jon- he ran on his own schedule and we were always saying “ where is Jon?”  In spite of the many health challenges Jon faced over the years, he continued to face each new obstacle with fierce determination and his ever present stubborn, “I can do it” attitude.  He continued to defy the odds over and over and fought his hardest despite the tremendous health issues he faced with little fear.  Jon’s glass was always more than half full - often overflowing -  he lived his life with a sense of optimism and remained fully optimistic despite the great odds stacked against him.  He never stopped fighting and spent his final days with an upbeat attitude surrounded by his family and his amazing care team.  

Jon loved to be outside, teaching his girls how to hunt and fish, instilling the love of all things nature with them.  Sharing many ways around a difficult situation with a, ‘‘don’t let anyone know I am telling you this.”  Many of his conversations would begin with “I’ve been thinking” and you knew you would soon hear a tale which would guarantee Jon was always right, at least in his mind.  

The family would like to thank his dedicated care team at Davita Lincoln Lakes Regional Dialysis - his home away from home over the past 10 years.  The care and attention shown to Jon and his family during the time at Maine Health - Maine Medical Center, Portland was much appreciated and we thank the Cardiac Critical Care Team for their compassion and dignity shared with Jon and his family during his final days. 

Jon’s family invites you to join us in a gathering 3:00 - 6:00 P.M., Friday, May 2, 2025,  at the Alton United Methodist Church, 3494 Bennoch Road, Alton, for a time of sharing memories and connecting.  We will have a short memorial service with Dr. Steve Smith at 4:30 P.M.   A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in June.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Old Town Animal Orphanage in memory of Jon’s beloved pets: Tiger, Casey, Matilda and Suki.