MARATHON, Fla. – Stephen Charles Philbrick of Oquossoc, Maine, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 while on an annual family vacation. He was 69 years old.

Stephen was born in Farmington on Oct. 5, 1953, the son of the late Raymond H. Philbrick and Therese (Turmenne) Philbrick. He was the beloved husband of Fernlyn (Rollins) Philbrick and the loving father of Tyler Philbrick of Rangeley. Quinn Philbrick and his wife Haley of Maine; devoted grandfather to Maxten, Tenley, and Trip Philbrick; and brother to Chris and his wife Tami of Maine, John and his husband Dr. John Matta of Illinois, Daniel and his wife Lynelle, Michael and his wife Staci of Maine; and an uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Philbrick who passed away in December of 2022.

Stephen graduated from Edward Little High School located in Auburn in 1972 and continued his education at Paul Smith College in New York and Florida International University in Miami, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

Stephen was a superior athlete from a young boy playing school athletics to a college student water skiing professionally for Cypress Gardens. Stephen was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hunting, fishing, biking, kayaking, snow skiing, and snowmobiling and was a team player in both sports and in his day-to-day life.

If you knew Stephen you knew he loved music. He would break out singing everywhere he went and if there was a guitar nearby, he would serenade you with that too. He was in several bands and opened for several big name country stars. If you were lucky, you would see him perform at Bald Mountain Camps where he would sing karaoke in the bar.

Aside from athletics and music, Stephen stayed busy in the Rangeley community where he was a Maine Master Guide, captain, pilot, diver, emergency medical technician, carpenter, and notable chef. He also served in his local community, the Rangeley region, and the state of Maine, as a town selectman, Rangeley health & wellness board member, and inland fisheries and wildlife advisory council member. Stephen spent several winters serving as a member of the ski patrol and as a groomer for Saddleback Mountain where he also worked in the food and beverage department.

Stephen and Fernlyn were the proud owners of Bald Mountain Camps (BMC) in Oquossoc, Maine, and helped their sons launch BMC Guide Service, and BMC Diving, INC. Stephen also had his fingers in several other businesses in the Rangeley region including Loon Lodge, BMC Diner, and The Village Scrubboard.

Before Stephen winterized and transformed Bald Mountain Camps from a seasonal sporting camp to a year-round resort, he worked for Rangeley Inn, Saddleback Motor Inn, Saddleback Mountain, and Rangeley ambulance.

Stephen was a leader, motivator, supporter, listener, and was determined to reach his goals. He had a huge heart and cherished each of his relationships with friends, family, and the entire Rangeley community. Stephen instilled these qualities in both his boys and inspired them to never give up on their dreams.

We will be welcoming Stephen back to Bald Mountain Camps on his return home from Florida Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 10 a.m. On the dock, we will have a private remembrance for immediate family only. Non-family members are welcome to stand on the shoreline to say goodbye (until we meet again).

His body will be escorted by area first responders to Farmington.

A Celebration of Life Observance will be held at Bald Mountain Camps in Oquossoc, Maine on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a scholarship for a Rangeley student.

Please send donations to:

Skowhegan Savings Bank

2484 Main St.

Rangeley, ME, 04970

Attn: Stephen Philbrick memorial scholarship

Copy the Story Link