1944 – 2016

LEWISTON — Daniel Theodore Cake, 72, a longtime resident of Auburn, died Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Central Maine Medical Center, due to complications following surgery.

He was born in Jacksonville, N.C., on Aug. 28, 1944. Dan lived in a number of states before his mother returned to Maine and settled in Hallowell. He attended Hall-Dale High School, participating in various sports. Following graduation, he attended the Portland School of Fine Art, then entered the U.S. Navy in 1976, serving on a destroyer tender until receiving his honorable discharge from active duty.

Dan then began a long career as an artist, working with various media and techniques, while also employed as a graphic artist for several companies including many years with Geiger Bros. He liked to experiment with different methods and subjects, but more recently was interested in capturing the delicate feathers of songbirds, owls and hawks. Dan was a past recipient of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine’s Wild Fowl Award.

He enjoyed being involved with the Lewiston-Auburn arts community, and other favorite pastimes included listening to music and biking. Dan was a rated long-distance runner in Maine for many years and ran the Boston Marathon. He and his companion of 39 years, Karen Thompson, enjoyed the great Maine outdoors and hiked and camped across the state for several years.

His devoted care greatly helped her own recovery from heart surgery. Friends and family were very important to him and he loved the holidays, especially Christmas, when he could celebrate with them. This past summer, Dan faced a series of setbacks, but he wasn’t one to refuse a challenge and never lost his ability to bounce back.

He painted with arthritic hands and couldn’t wait to get back on his bike. He thoroughly enjoyed animals, especially his beautiful cats. He was a kind and generous man, who gave many significant donations to various charities and sports programs over the years. His generosity, his enthusiasm for new projects, new experiences, and both new and old friends will always be remembered and greatly missed. His family wishes to thank all the wonderful people who gave him companionship and encouragement throughout the years.

Daniel leaves behind his companion, Karen Thompson of Auburn; two brothers, Jeffrey Cake and wife, Laura, of Bar Harbor and Basil Cake and wife, Mia, of Augusta; three sisters, Nancy Checcia and Teresa Checcia, both of England, and Leslie Flores and husband, Rudy, of Augusta; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Daniel is predeceased by his mother, Rachel Craig Paine, who died in 2008; and his father, Anthony D. Cake, who died in 1994. Condolence messages may be shared by visiting his online guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.