H. Allen Fernald

CAMDEN – H. Allen Fernald passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, at the Sussman House, surrounded by his loving family.

Allen was born on June 1, 1932, in Haverhill, Mass., to Harold and Leona (Horton) Fernald. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maine at Orono in 1954, where he also met the love of his life, Sally Carroll Fernald, during his sophomore year. That meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong devotion—to Sally, to the state of Maine, and to the University of Maine.

Allen enjoyed a long and successful career in publishing, beginning in Manhattan at Holt, Rinehart & Winston and later at CBS, where he served as senior vice president. He also earned a Master’s degree in Business from New York University. In 1977, after purchasing Down East magazine with a financial partner, Allen and Sally moved their family to Maine and transformed the publication into a beloved, award-winning institution. Under his leadership, the business expanded to include additional magazines, books, calendars, and gift catalogs.

He also served on the Board of Directors at John Wiley & Sons from 1984 to 2003, a role he cherished and through which he built many lasting friendships.

Allen was deeply committed to community service, contributing his time and energy to numerous organizations, including the Maine Community Foundation and the Farnsworth Art Museum. A devoted University of Maine alumnus and fundraiser, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters for his contributions. He also served as Chair of the President’s Development Council and the Board of Visitors.

In Camden, Allen was an active member of the First Congregational Church, the YMCA, and the Rotary Club. He and Sally were also instrumental in preserving a large portion of Bald Mountain through the Coastal Mountains Land Trust.

An avid sailor, Allen’s greatest joy was cruising the Maine coast and beyond aboard his three successive boats—each named Salmagal—with family and friends. He was also a passionate gardener, and over the years took great pleasure in beekeeping, raising sheep, dancing, donning bow ties, and traveling the world with Sally by his side. Known for his warmth and humor, Allen also held a Master’s degree in Tomfoolery—spreading laughter and good cheer wherever he went, with a twinkle in his eye.

He is survived by his beloved wife Sally; their children Robert Fernald and his wife Maxine (Rockport), Melissa Koester (Boston), and Thomas Fernald (San Francisco); and six grandchildren, Samuel, Benjamin, Eleni, Lucius, Henry, and Zachary. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Arthur.

A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church in Camden on Saturday, June 28 at 2:00 p.m.

In remembrance of Allen Fernald, those who wish may make contributions to the Shields Mission Project through the First Congregational Church of Camden, supporting those in need in the Knox County area.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at http://www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.