WAYNE – Peter H. Sturtevant, 51, of Fayette, went home to be with his Lord on Nov. 30, a drowning victim of a boating accident on Androscoggin Lake, Wayne. His family rejoices in the peace he finds in the arms of Jesus.

Peter was born in Farmington, on Nov. 28, 1956. He was the son of Arnold and Leda (Whitney) Sturtevant.

A 1974 graduate of SAD 36, he attended University of Maine, Augusta, where he received an associate degree in music, then later attended Ravencrest Bible School, in Estes Park, Colo., where he received a certificate of theology.

He was a member of the Fayette Baptist Church, where he was a worship team leader for many years. He left a deep spiritual impact on the music community with his many accomplished guitar students, and his singing and talented performances of electric and acoustic guitar, often playing both violin and guitar for popular bluegrass and square dance groups and performing with his family on many joyous occasions such as weddings, receptions, reunions and public concerts throughout a wide area of Maine.

Several recordings have been made of his original musical compositions, often having an emphasis on contemporary Christian rock.

For many years, Peter was building maintenance superintendent for Livermore Falls Trust Company and Androscoggin Savings Bank. However, in more recent years, he has been a self-employed carpenter, tree farmer, guitar teacher and musician.

An outdoor sports enthusiast, he was an avid and accomplished mountain climber, skier, hiker, rock climber and sailor.

With high regard for environmentally responsible management of Maine’s forests, he operated a large tree farm and conservation area known as Home-Nest Farm, where he also maintained a flock of sheep, a llama, donkey, horse and hens.

He took pride in maintaining the historic family homestead of which he was the seventh-generation occupant. He and his wife Tammy have hosted and operated a vacation rental business in several housekeeping units of the old homestead.

For 38 years, Home-Nest Farm’s barn has been the focus of Fayette Baptist Church’s hugely popular annual “Living Nativity.” Thousands will recall his playing Joseph, leading Mary on a personable donkey named Ebenezer across the pasture from the church to the barn manger scene.

Peter joined his musical talents and love for people on several missionary outreaches, including two trips to Ireland where he performed at coffee houses and churches in the Belfast area.

In 2005, he accompanied a church group to Botswana, Africa, ministering to members of an orphanage whose lives have been afflicted by HIV virus. He has also been active in prison ministries.

Peter is survived by his parents and his wife, Tammy; two stepchildren, Jeffrey and his wife, Amanda and Cameron; and three children by his former wife, Janet (Simoneau) Gill, son, Jacob and his wife, Amber, Luke Sturtevant and Leah Badger and her husband, Christopher; a sister, Sarah Sturtevant, resides in Denver, Colo., a sister, Laura Quynn and husband, Rudy, of Kingfield; a brother, Andrew Sturtevant and wife, Lisa, of Fayette; he leaves three grandchildren, Jayden, Annabella and Alana; and a stepgrandchild, Brody; he also leaves two nephews, Timothy and John Sturtevant; and two nieces, Whitney and Ashia Gill.