FARMINGDALE – Stephen Leonard Barnard, 76, of Farmingdale, died peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Gardiner on May 27, 1945, the son of Carl and Hazel (Goodwin) Barnard.

Steve graduated from Gardiner Area High School in 1963. He continued his education and graduated from Thomas College in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. While attending Thomas College he was a player on the Terrior’s ice hockey team and worked at Ladd Paper Company in Vassalboro. In 1966 he married Cynthia Magoon from Cornville and they had two daughters during their marriage.

Upon graduation from Thomas College, he was employed by the Internal Revenue Service in Andover, Mass. which led him to settle in the Augusta area where he continued his employment with the IRS until he opened his private accounting practice. During the 1980’s he owned and operated the Birches Campground in Litchfield. He was a Member of Maine Association of Professional Accountants, Enrolled Agent, and State Director of the National Society of Accountants. He recently semi-retired from his accounting business in 2018.

Steve was an avid outdoorsman enjoying snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and sailing his vessel “Miracle” on the coast of Maine. He was a member of the Augusta and Rangeley Snowmobile Clubs. He and his daughter Jill enjoyed numerous fun-filled unimaginable excursions snowmobiling, motorcycling, hunting and fishing. In 2018 he was fortunate to have had a 3-month adventure of a lifetime with his granddaughter Lindsay and his great-grandson Brayden driving to and exploring Alaska. He also enjoyed his time at the family camp in Langtown Plantation (Stratton, Maine) and many, many good times with great friends.

He was predeceased by, his parents Hazel (Goodwin) Barnard and Carl Barnard of Gardiner; sister Arlene of Gardiner, and big brother Robert of Gardiner.

Stephen is survived by, his sister Carol (Barnard) Beedle and husband Norman of Augusta, his dear sister-in-law Connie Barnard of Gardiner; two daughters, Christine of Farmingdale and Jill of Pittston; former wife Cynthia (Magoon) Laiho, of Cornville; granddaughter Lindsay Fortin, of Augusta; two great-grandsons Brayden and Charlie; his special friend Cheryl Dostie of Readfield, who we all feel a heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for being in Dad’s life. Also, a huge thank you to Androscoggin Hospice for the extraordinary care given to Steve in his last days.

There will be a celebration of Stephen’s life held at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com