FRYEBURG – State Representative Kevin Michael Muse, 53, of Fryeburg died in his sleep of heart failure early Saturday morning, Aug. 7. A loving husband, father, and avid sportsman, Muse represented District 45 in the 120th and 121st legislatures, and was in the process of running for a third term. He was also founder, president and CEO of Fly Fish America and On Target magazines.

Muse was born in Boston, Mass., the eldest son of John David and the late Catherine Kelly Muse. Raised in Portland, Muse graduated from Cheverus High School and the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind, graduating with a B.A. in Art.

Throughout his life, Muse combined his love of people with his passion for Maine and the outdoors, serving his district and the state as the lead Republican on the Marine Resources Committee, where he was known for promoting environmentally-conscious fish farming practices.

He was also affiliated with many community and state organizations including Saco Valley Anglers, Fryeburg Fish & Game, Federation of Fly Fishers, Coastal Conservation Association of Maine, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, Trout Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, and The Atlantic Salmon Federation. He also chaired the Saco River Task Force, which led the effort to preserve the Saco River as a family-friendly canoeing destination. Dedicated to his friends, family and community, Muse was honored to be in a position through his legislative role to serve the people of Oxford County.

Prior to entering the publishing world in 1996, Muse was the assistant general manager of the Red Jacket Hotel in North Conway, N.H., for 21 years. He operated a private convention consulting firm and taught computer classes for the Pequawket Valley Alternative School and Fryeburg Adult Education. Muse enjoyed a 17-year association with the Fryeburg Fair, where he was director of promotions and night shows.

A raconteur known for his dry sense of humor, Muse would often recall “Olympic Moments” against such competitors as Jean-Claude Killy and Mark Spitz, remembering how they would just nip him at the finish line. He was equally proud of his title as Portland’s Marble Playing Champion, earned at age 12, and his continuing reign as the Maine State Fly Tying Champion. Unlike most of the tall tales he told his children at bedtime, these last two victories were actually true.

Muse enjoyed exploring the fishing holes of the world and had recently traveled to Argentina, Cuba, Scotland and Iceland.

Muse leaves his wife of 27 years, Roberta Mendler Muse, two sons, Kevin Kelly and Christopher Thomas, and his stepson, Seth Butler Turner, all of Fryeburg; and his stepdaughter, Jessica Turner Brida, of Brooklyn, N.Y. He had one grandson, Andrew Bradford Turner, of Fryeburg. He is also survived by his father, John David Muse Sr., of Portland; and his siblings, Catherine Muse Kenney of Tiverton, R.I., Christopher Muse, (who, as the Democratic Representative from South Portland, memorably served with Kevin in the 120th Legislature across the political aisle,) and John David Muse Jr. and Jeanne Muse Trent, both of Portland.

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