1957 – 2016

AUBURN — Peter E. Bean, 59, of East Bethel passed peacefully with his sisters and fiancée by his side early Saturday evening, Oct. 1, at the Hospice House in Auburn, where he had resided for a week as a result of end-stage bladder cancer.

He was born in Rumford on March 4, 1957, son of the late Erlon and Mary (Coolidge) Bean. He grew up in East Bethel attending local schools, graduating from Telstar in 1975.

Always a hard worker, Peter started working full time at Andover Wood Products immediately after graduation. Later, he would work at Bethel Furniture Stock. Finally, in 1987, he would begin working at the paper mill in Rumford, until his retirement earlier this year.

Peter enjoyed working the family wood lot in Milton, watching the wildlife, hunting, traveling, going to the local car races, attending the agricultural fairs throughout the state, driving his ’88 Mustang, following the Red Sox, Patriots and Bruins, going out to eat, visiting and sharing stories with neighbors, friends and relatives alike, staying up to date with the most recent presidential election “antics,” watching his house cats play around his home, and loved being a grandfather, AKA “Bumpa“ to his five grandchildren which range from age 2 to 17.

He also spent a great deal of time playing golf. He was a member of the Oakdale Country Club in Mexico. Although he started playing golf well into adulthood, his natural athleticism quickly made him a competitive player. Peter played in many tournaments for fun as well as for a variety of charity tournaments throughout the state, often finishing within the top three and many times winning. Since his retirement, he could be found playing the Bethel Inn course most Tuesdays, as well as joining his sister and brother-in-law at Riverside Golf Course in Portland whenever possible.

Peter and Pam had a special “golfing bond” and were very evenly matched, even having a special “trophy” that they handed back and forth depending upon which one had won the last game.

Peter will be remembered for his kind, generous, gentle soul; his unconditional love for family, his incredible sense of humor; his smirk and dimples, which likely meant a “dry one-liner” was about to leave his lips; his quick wit; and his ability to find the perfect nickname for everyone.

He was soft spoken, thought carefully before he spoke, using  just enough words necessary to make his point. It was when he chose to speak and give of himself unconditionally, that one would realize that he was ALWAYS listening.

Peter is survived by his fiancée, Gina Dow; a daughter, Monica and her boyfriend, Dustin, of Portland; a son, Chad of Lewiston; two granddaughters, Emilea and Kiera; three grandsons, Lukas, Isaak, and Domanik; two sisters, Pamela and her husband, Stephen Wojtysiak, of Westbrook; Penny and her husband, John Kittredge, of East Bethel; several aunts and uncles; and many, many cousins.

“It’s not the length of life, it’s the depth of life.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

The family would like to thank the direct care staff at Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice in Auburn for their care and compassion toward both Peter and the family during his one-week stay.

Words of condolence and tribute may be expressed at www.chandlerfunerals.com.