CHINA – Jeffrey B. Sugden, a good and generous man, died with his loving wife holding his hand, on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 from pancreatic cancer.

Jeff was born July 17, 1949 in Boston, Mass. to John Frederick and Ruth (Bryant) Sugden, the second of four boys. He was raised in Weston, Mass. and graduated from Weston High School, where he was a standout in football and played hockey. After a post-grad year at Worcester Academy, he started working for his grandfather’s electrical company in Boston and went through the IBEW apprenticeship program at night. He lived in Cambridge, Mass. enjoying the music and excitement of the late sixties. He also enlisted in the Naval Reserves at that time. There he met his first wife, Margaret Hayes, and they married and had three intelligent and beautiful daughters. In 1972, wanting to be back-to-the-landers, they moved to Mercer, Maine, renovated an old house, and raised vegetables, rabbits, and their daughters in the country. At that time, Jeff did electrical work throughout Maine. In 1979, Jeff and Margi divorced, and he moved to Skowhegan for a year, and then back to Boston where he worked on building the Bank of Boston and other downtown buildings.

During those years, Jeff would come back to Maine to care for his daughters, and in 1982, he moved to Waterville so he could be a hands-on Dad, and the girls lived with him every other week. It was then he met his cherished wife, Valerie, in their apartments’ parking lot after an April blizzard. They enjoyed 40 years together. They were an exceptional team, moving to China, where they had two intelligent and handsome sons, and raised their five children in a camp counselor’s dormitory that they renovated into a house on eight acres. They also bought and re-built a camp on China Lake that the whole family enjoyed. During that time, Jeff worked at Colby College as an electrician and later electrical supervisor but decided at the age of 50 to launch his own electrical business, which was very successful. He greatly enjoyed bringing his son, Jon, and grandson along in the business.

Jeff worked hard at everything and enjoyed his success with buying a lot of boats, camping equipment, and campers. He had many exciting snowmobiling and ice fishing trips with his fishing friends. Jeff and Val loved fishing at Rangely, traveling to Florida, and camping at Baxter State Park. They also had a wonderful trip on the Queen Mary 2 to England, where he ate and drank his way around the country. Jeff loved his life and his family and was so very proud of all his children and grandchildren, their character and accomplishments.

His children will forever be grateful for his unwavering support and love. Jeff always put his kids and family first (which explains why he took his daughters to see the roller-skating musical film “Xanadu” six times). He loved spending time with his family, and his family loved spending time with him. While there are so many wonderful, memorable family moments, dinnertime was always special, with candles, music, and conversation. Whether it was a week-night dinner with his wife and children, or a special gathering with extended family and friends, he loved time gathered around the table, sharing a meal and stories. He was well-known for lengthy dinners and discussions that stretched out over hours.

Jeff was a natural leader who loved helping others. He was charming, handsome, smart, and fun. Gifted with a great sense of humor, Jeff could deliver a punchline with panache. He was loyal, kind, stubborn, and a phenomenal problem solver. He will be missed beyond measure by his family.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Valerie; his daughters Eliza (Jim) Baldwin of Hampden, Sarah (Matthew) Sugden of Green Bay, Wisc., Rebecca Sugden of Vassalboro, David (Kait) Sugden of Industry, and Jon (Marie) Sugden of China; his grandchildren Owen and Ruby Mathias, Jack and Madeline Hankey, James and Oliver Sugden, and Penelope and Otto Sugden. He is also survived by his brothers James Sugden of Chicago, Ill., John Sugden of Wellesley, Mass. and Peter Sugden of Marstons Mills, Mass.; and great aunt Jane Sugden of W. Harwich, Mass.

Jeff asked that there would not be any church services but an outdoor celebration of life at a later date. Those who wish may leave written condolences at http://www.CrosbyNeal.com

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