Goodbye Papa

As you may have noticed, there has been a lull in blogging over the past few weeks.  This is because we have been busy caring for my father, Soren & Bodie’s Papa in the last days of his life, and taking care of all of the subsequent to-dos…

Goodbye Papa (click here for obit)

Bruce David Sidell
Old Town – Bruce D. Sidell, 62, died February 8, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Manchester, NH on March 20, 1948 the son of Michael and Annah (Burns) Sidell.
Bruce received his AB in Biology at Boston University in 1970, and his Master of Science and PhD in Physiology at the University of Illinois in 1972 and 1975. Bruce was a professor and founding director of the School of Marine Sciences at the University of Maine in Orono. Through his work as a researcher, educator and mentor, he traveled to Antarctica and received numerous awards for his work. Recently, the US Geological Survey and National Science Foundation named an Antarctic peninsula the "Sidell Spur" in honor of his many years of Antarctic research. His work and research were truly his passions in life and his contributions will live on in the scientific community. Bruce will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him; especially his faithful canine companion Barnum.
Bruce is survived by his beloved wife Mary (Keegan); 3 daughters Amy Sidell and her husband Greg St. Pierre, Jessica Kettell and her husband John, and Amanda Sidell and her husband Kevin Peterson; 6 grandchildren, Nicholas and Timothy St. Pierre, Mason and Fiona Kettell, and Soren and Boden Peterson; sister, Judy McLean of Goffstown, NH; and his uncle Charles and Louise Ferazzi of Gloucester, MA. In addition to his parents, Bruce is predeceased by his brother-in-law Robert McLean.
Family and friends are invited to call from 6-8pm on Thursday, February 10 at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. In respect of Bruce's wishes there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Bruce D. Sidell Scholarship supporting students in Marine Science at the University of Maine or to the Sidell Family Fund supporting the Holiday Gift Giving Fund through the University's Employee Assistance Program. Checks should be made payable to the University of Maine Foundation and sent to Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792. Kindly indicate to which fund the gift should be designated. Memorial gifts may also be given to New Hope Hospice, P.O. Box 757, Holden, ME 04429. Notes of condolences may be left at www.birminghamfuneralhome.com


But life does go on, and therefore, blogging proceeds as well…