POLAND SPRING — Peter Jon Fides of Poland Spring passed away surrounded by his family Thursday, April 13, after a short bout with cancer.

He was born in Gardiner on May 1, 1939, to Avery M. Fides Sr. and Vesta A. (Stilphen) Fides. He grew up in Bowdoinham and later Orr’s Island in Harpswell, attending local schools and graduating from Fryeburg Academy in 1958. He attended photography school and opened the Fides Studio on Maine Street in Brunswick.

He later worked as the district sales manager for both Colonial Supply and Wolverine Brass, until he retired in 2005. In 1962, he married the former Margot Menke from Upper Montclair, N.J., who summered at Orr’s Island. They settled on the island and soon brought their only child, Suzanne Marie Fides, into the world. The couple divorced after a few years.

In 1971, Peter married Norma Cox of Danville and settled at Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester, where they would raise Suzanne and Norma’s two boys, Mickey and Phillip Batchelder.

Peter was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He built a small hunting camp on Merrymeeting Bay in Bowdoinham. Later, it was moved to Beaver Cove near Moosehead Lake, where he, his family and friends all enjoyed times of great food, stories and merriment throughout the years within its walls.

Although he was a great sportsman, a personable salesman and an avid collector of guns, by far his greatest attribute was his commitment to family. He and Norma provided a stable and loving home for their children and grandchildren.

He was a role model and mentor to many with his quiet and easygoing mannerisms and steadfast devotion to those he loved. The stories of his youth and those he created in recent years will continue to be handed down from generation to generation.

He is survived by one sister, Annie MacArthur, of Jackman; his daughter, Suzanne Fides Joncas, and her husband, Robert, of Poland Spring; Norma’s sons, Mickey and Philip Batchelder of the Lewiston-Auburn area; his grandchildren, Steven Redmond of Poland Spring, Benjamin Redmond of Durham, Liza Redmond-Smith of Florida, Mya Caron of California, Jason Batchelder of Damariscotta, Rachel Collamore of Damariscotta, and Jaqueline, Ethan, and Ryan Joncas, all of Poland Spring; Stephanie Redmond of Auburn; six great-grandchildren; and one newly born great-great-grandson.

Peter was predeceased by his mother and father; his brothers, Forrest (Forrey) and Avery (Bud) Jr.; his sisters, Mary and Georgie; his wife, Norma Cox Fides; and his former wife, Margot (Menke) Bjerklund.

To leave a message of condolence for the Fides’ family, please visit www.brackettfuneralhome.com.

Peter Fides