MANCHESTER – Doug Ide, 56, died at home with his loving family on Dec. 20, 2023. Doug was born and raised in the small town of Danville, Vt. He had many fond childhood memories of years spent at his family’s grain mill in St. Johnsbury.

Doug attended college at the University of Vermont, where he studied political science and philosophy. He was a regular at Phish’s early shows at Nectar’s and Goddard College during his time in Burlington, where he also became a life-long Grateful Dead fan. After college, he spent a year teaching English in Meaux, France, and seized the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. He then returned to Burlington where he worked at Cheese Traders, and met his wife of 26 years, Carol.

They moved to Rochester, NY where Doug taught history for five years at Nazareth Academy, and the two welcomed the birth of their son Jacob. Missing New England, they decided to move to Maine, first living in Turner for two years, and then settling in Manchester in 2001, where their daughter Katie was born. Doug became very involved in the Manchester community, serving on the school board, founding the Conservation Commission, and spending much of his free time building and maintaining the Allen Whitney Memorial Forest Trail System. He was a member of the Board of Selectmen for many years, most recently serving as chair. He resurrected the Apple Festival and started the Reggae Fest at Lakeside Orchards, both of which became beloved fixtures in Manchester for many years. Most recently, he enjoyed working in his position as Code Enforcement Officer for the city of Hallowell and serving on the board of the Cobbossee Lake Association.

Doug had a strong passion for skiing, and spent many happy winters skiing at Sugarloaf with his family and friends. He was a loving father and husband, a loyal friend, a wonderful cook, a skilled craftsman, and a New England sports enthusiast. Doug was also a master of puns and dry humor, and delighted in eliciting groans from his audience. Doug loved his home on Cobbossee Lake, where he spent many wonderful summer days on the water.

He is survived by his wife Carol; children Jacob and Katie; sister Susan, brother Jamie; his father and stepmother Tim and Jenness, and his mother and stepfather Mary and Dick.

A celebration of life is to be held on Jan. 3, at 2:00 p.m. at Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be

made to the:

Cobbossee Lake

Association

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