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 then 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, NJ 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 on 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 Merry Meeting 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.
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. He is survived by one sister, Annie MacArthur of Jackman, his daughter, Suzanne Fides Joncas and her husband Robert of Poland Spring; Norma’s Son’s, Mickey and Philip Batchelder of the L/A 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, Jaqueline, Ethan, and Ryan Joncas all of Poland Spring; Stephanie Redmond of Auburn, Six great grandchildren and one newly born great great grandson.
Visiting hours will be held from 5-7PM on Friday, May 5th, 2017 at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick. A funeral service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, May 6th at the funeral home with Reverend Ron McLaughlin officiating. Private interment will be held later in the spring on the family lot in Orr’s Island Cemetery. In lieu of sending flowers, please make donations in Peter’s name to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168
Boston, MA 02284-9168. To leave a message of condolence for the Fides’ family please visit www.brackettfuneralhome.com.
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