David Frederic Gage

Lubec – David passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 4th, 2020 after a two-year journey with ALS. David was lovingly cared for by his wife Kathy and the Hospice team from Machias, Me. David was also supported by Dr. John Taylor and Sara of the ALS clinic in Brunswick, Me., pulmonologist Dr. Sigrid Noack and Brenda from Northern Light Health, Bangor Me. Laurie McFarren, Care Services Coordinator of the ALS association in Maine, was so helpful in directing us toward community resources and programs for ALS patients and caregivers.

David was pre-deceased by his parents Dr. Stanley and Wilma Gage. David is survived by his wife Kathy, Lubec, two sisters, Nancy Ewen (John-deceased) Middlebury Vt., Phyllis (Jim) Gage Everson, Centennial, Colorado, three sons, Jeremiah(Kasara), grandchildren Lincoln, Brynley, Sawyer, Waitsfield, Vt., Colby, Saco, Me., Alex (Stacy), Denver, Colorado, brother-in-law, Raymond(Nansie) Portland, Oregon, brother-in-law Peter Murphy (Marcella-deceased) La Quinta, Calif., and several nieces and nephews on the East and West coasts.

David was born in Eastchester, New York, May 6, 1944. He attended Eastchester schools through high school. The lure of the west and a new adventure took him to University of Denver where he met Kathy, his Rocky Mountain High, in 1965. David could most often be found in the mountains either skiing or climbing some 14,000-foot peaks, or in the stacks of the college library. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Next was dental school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine where he graduated in 1970.

David and Kathy’s next adventure took them to Bristol Vt., to practice dentistry and begin raising a family. They lived in the nearby mountain community of Lincoln where they created a homestead of acreage, animals, and vegetable gardens. Mowing the fields with Jeremiah tucked into the tractor seat with David was a common sight.

Living and working in the Bristol, Lincoln area for 11 years was the beginning of David’s dedication to the people he served to provide the very best dental care possible. This took constant study which David embraced with great passion and enthusiasm. The family moved to South Burlington, Vt. in 1982, to pursue new educational and dental opportunities.

Prevention, wholeness, self-care through quality dental care defined David’s dental career for 40 plus years. None of David’s success would have been possible without his partnership with Kathy and the wonderful and talented women he worked with over the years. Ending some of his workdays early to attend the boys’ soccer and tennis games and tournaments was a common occurrence. Family was always number one in his active life.

The family enjoyed many outdoor activities together which also took them to vacation during the summer to Stonington and Deer Isle, Me., and Long Lake in the Adirondacks. Life was always an adventure and David brought so much of his joy of living to the equation which was contagious and inspiring. David often called each day another day in paradise.

When David and Kathy retired from dentistry in 2011 the boys were off living their lives away from Vermont. The lure of Maine and the ocean ignited a chance for new explorations in the beautiful small rural community of Lubec with its outstanding library and incredible scenery and bordering on Campobello Island, NB. With an airstream trailer in tow, David and Kathy explored the Canadian Maritimes and Maine in the summer months and the south and southwest during the winter months. David loved all types of music, but folk and Celtic music were right at the top. David and Kathy were often seen in Lubec at the Water Street Tavern, Fred Pierce’s house concerts, The Downeast Dragonfly, and Annabell’s listening and dancing to local and far away musicians. He was an insatiable reader and loved reading history. David was a frequent volunteer for Lubec events and was instrumental in starting the Lubec Community Outreach Center and the Lubec Market.

David was always hopeful and so grateful for his life. His joy of living and giving to others will be forever felt by so many. He certainly left the woodpile higher than he found it.

In David’s memory donations can be made to: Hospice Services, Community Health and Counseling Services, 15 Kids Corner, Machias Maine, 04654; ALS Association, Northern New England Chapter, 10 Ferry St., Suite #438, Concord, N.H., 03301, Lubec Memorial Library, LAMPS, Lubec Area Musicians Philanthropic Society, 10 County Rd., Lubec Maine, 04652; OR a charity of your choice.