Daniel E. Phillips
1953 – 2009

LEWISTON — Daniel E. Phillips, 56, of Strong, died Saturday, Oct. 17, at Central Maine Medical Center surrounded by his family.

He was born April 27, 1953, in Waterville, the son of Volney M. and Mildred (Roberts) Phillips. Dan graduated from Valley High in Bingham. As a young man, he worked as a boat captain on the log drive on Indian Pond at the head of the Kennebec River. He worked as a carpenter specializing in fine woodwork on boats and homes.

He moved to Strong in 1978 and met Laura Nichols and her children. He had nine years with Laura, until she passed in 1987. He maintained a strong relationship with her children, who to this day consider him to be like a father.

Since meeting Linda Kemp and her son in 1996, they have shared a life together in Strong. In 2005, he purchased Strong Hardware and Building Supply, operating it through his illness, until his death. He was a avid reader and enjoyed fishing and bird hunting. As a business owner, he loved interacting with friends new and old at the store, but he always kept his passion for working with wood.

Survivors include a daughter, Stacy Carignan and her husband, Steve, of Waterloo, Iowa; two sons, Tony Nichols and his wife, Jessica, of Strong and Blair Kemp; three grandchildren, Nathan and Daniel Carignan and Natasha Nichols; a sister, Susan Newton, her husband, Douglas and two nephews, Jared and Seth Newton of Sebago; and many special friends and extended family.

He was predeceased by his wife, Laura; and his parents.