1935 – 2015

ELLSWORTH — Dr. Eugene “Gene” E. Toothaker, 79, died peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, March 10, after a short illness.

Gene was born June 26, 1935, in Strong, the son of Abner A. and Geneva R. Toothaker. He grew up on a farm in the town of Jay. Gene graduated from Wilton Academy in 1953. During his high school years at Wilton Academy, he played football, basketball and baseball. He lettered in all three sports and even managed time to play the trumpet in the school band.

After graduating from Wilton Academy, Gene enrolled at the University of Maine and then moved on to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

Gene married Janet Collins in 1959 and the two lived together in Philadelphia for a year while he finished veterinary school. Gene graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1960 and returned to western Maine to practice veterinary medicine.

In 1962, Gene, Janet and family moved to Ellsworth, where they opened the Small Animal Clinic. Gene remained a resident of Ellsworth until his death.

Gene was active in both business and government. He served the community of Ellsworth as a city council member for many years, including a term as the city’s mayor. He also served as a board of director member for the First National Bank of Bar Harbor.

Gene was an avid fisherman and bird hunter and absolutely loved the state of Maine, whether ”Down East,” in “the County” or on the dirt roads of the North Maine Woods, he knew the best spots and had friends throughout the state. He never came home empty-handed.

Gene was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Janet Collins Toothaker. Gene and Janet traveled extensively through the United States, Europe, Australia and Canada. They spent many winter months in Hawaii and many summers fishing in Alaska.

Gene is survived by his three sons, Alan and wife, Michele, Jeffrey and wife, Rose, and Scott and wife, Maryellen, all of Ellsworth; and six grandchildren, Adam, Dillon, Jessica, Colin, Alec and Evan, all of Ellsworth.