FAIRFIELD – Philip Bruce Daggett, 73, died peacefully after a brief illness, April 7, 2022, at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

Phil was born in Brookline, Mass. on Oct. 3, 1948, the son of Harry “Bud” and Elizabeth (Knowlton) Daggett. Phil graduated from Washburn High School in 1967. He was drafted into the U.S. Army that same year and served our country honorably in Vietnam. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his service and was honorably discharged in 1969. Upon his discharge he continued to serve the country as an employee of Bath Iron Works as a pipe fitter. Phil eventually obtained his bachelor’s degree in Counseling from the University of New England and a master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Maine. He worked as a school counselor for several school systems throughout northern and central Maine and was dedicated to his students and imparted his wisdom to them regarding spruce gum.

Phil may have been best known for his time spent at Hewes Brook Lodge. Under his leadership and guidance, he expanded The Lodge with the help of family and friends from a small family cabin frequented by local hunters to a four-season retreat loved by hunters, anglers, snowmobilers, and nature enthusiasts from all over the United States and beyond. Phil was a Registered Maine Guide and a lover of all things associated with the North Maine Woods. Despite his varied career, which took him all over the State of Maine, his roots were always in Aroostook County and were particularly grounded at Hewes Brook Lodge, just west of Portage. Phil’s spirituality was very personal to him, and he spent many hours in deep thought and meditation. Phil was known to be many things which included a master craftsman, artist, cook, gardener, builder and most importantly, storyteller.

Phil was predeceased by his parents Bud and Lib (Knowlton) Daggett; and his sister, Elaine Patterson and her son, Matthew Holmes of Massachusetts.

Phil is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cheryl; his two daughters, Candy Lessard and her partner, David Sovetsky of Winslow, and Sandy (Ghent) Holdsworth of Caribou; his brother, Dana Daggett and his partner, Carol of Bryant Pond and his sister, Susan (Everett) Adams of Fort Fairfield.

Phil leaves behind six grandchildren, Christopher (Emily) Corey, Athena Sargent and her fiancée, Andrew Nicknair, Deanna (Jessie) Murchie, Matthew Corey, Mason (Monica) Sargent and Jonathan Corey. He also loved and will be missed by his nine great-grandchildren, Julia, Olivia and Daniel Corey, Brantley and Noura Nicknair, Gabby and Ezra Murchie, Daniel, and Owen Sargent. Phil will also be missed by his sisters-in-law Linda Hersey, and Charlotte (Donald) Jackson; along with nephew, Sai Adams, and nieces Naomi Donaldson, Aurora Adams, and Leah Arteaga.

In accordance with Phil’s wishes, visitation hours will be held from 1-3 p.m. on April 15 at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home located at 107 Main St., Fairfield, with a Celebration of Life to begin at 3 p.m.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

For those wishing to make a monetary contribution in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Phil Daggett to the

Maine Botanical Gardens at http://www.mainegardens.org/donate to support Phil’s love of flowers or to the

Travis Mills Foundation at http://www.travismillsfoundation.org in support of veterans and their families.

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