1942 – 2015

PARIS — Neil Robert Elder, 72, of Paris, passed away suddenly from natural causes on Wednesday, March 11, at his home.

Neil was born in Everett, Mass., on Sept. 19, 1942, the son of Neil Alexander and Bertha (Canfield) Elder. Growing up in Everett, he attended local schools, graduating from Everett High School in 1960. He attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, graduating in 1964, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was a proud member of Phi Mu Delta and served as the fraternity treasurer.

His 35-year banking career started at Middlesex Bank in Massachusetts. In 1976, Neil furthered his education at the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

Neil and his family moved to Maine in 1977, after he accepted a position at Oxford Bank and Trust. He retired in 2000, while serving as senior vice president. After retirement, he joined Community Concepts, where he was in charge of the microenterprise program for several years.

Neil was very community-oriented. While living in Massachusetts, he was an active member of Rotary International and the Jaycees. His dedication to community continued in Maine, where he became a pillar of the Oxford Hills community, serving on numerous boards and committees.

He was a member of the Norway-Paris Kiwanis Club for over 20 years. He was an active member and past president of the Paris Hill Country Club. In recent years, he was a dedicated volunteer at SCORE, where he served as district director for the state of Maine from 2009 to 2011, and currently served as treasurer of the Oxford Hills chapter.

While at UMass Amherst, Neil met Mary Wilcox, who became his wife. Together, they raised two boys, and enjoyed playing golf as a family and being involved in youth sports. They shared a passion for New England sports teams. He was an avid fan throughout every season.

Neil and Mary also loved to travel and enjoyed many adventures in locations such as Bermuda, Italy, Greece, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland and Scotland. He was proud to have played a round of golf at the Old Course at St. Andrews without losing a ball. On Jan. 23, Neil and Mary celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Above all, family was very important to Neil. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother.

He is survived by his wife; and two sons, Richard Elder and his wife, Monica, of Edgecomb and their daughters, Hannah and Gretchen, and Steven Elder and his wife, Shari, of North Yarmouth and their daughters, Alexis and Kendra. Neil was very proud of his four granddaughters and their achievements and accomplishments. He enjoyed attending their various activities, including sporting events, plays and dance recitals.

Neil also leaves behind one sister, Barbara Sowerwine and her husband, Richard, of Navarre, Fla. Growing up, Barbara and Neil spent their summers at their parents’ farmhouse in Arundel, and enjoyed many summer days in the waters at Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Linda Wilcox MacPhail; and two nieces, two nephews, and eight grandnieces and -nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother-in-law and friend, John MacPhail.

Neil also leaves behind his dear, lifelong friend, Bob Milley, and his wife, Janet, whom Neil and Mary introduced to one another during their UMass days.

Condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting www.chandlerfunerals.com.