Donald Kenneth Christen

STARKS – With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Donald Kenneth Christen, who peacefully passed on Nov. 18, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Donny was born on May 29, 1953, to Charles and Millicent Christen in Pearl River, New York. After the untimely passing of his mother when Donny was just nine, the family moved to Maine to be closer to Charlie’s relatives.

After receiving an education from Madison High School, Donny enlisted in the U.S. Army at a young age and proudly served for three years. After his military service, he returned to Maine, where he joined the family plumbing business.

Donny met the love of his life, Pamela Jean Washburn, and together they raised a beautiful family. Their two daughters, Tara and Tracy, both of whom were incredibly important to him. Donny’s career varied, from working on oil rigs in Wyoming to delivering newspapers in Madison.

Driven by his strong belief in personal freedom, he became an advocate for cannabis decriminalization in 1989, the year he found Maine Vocals. His commitment to this cause would become a lifelong mission. The first festival to raise awareness took place in Starks, in 1991. Donny continued to organize these events, holding his final festival in Harmony, in 2021.

In the years that followed, Donny’s devotion to his family grew even stronger, particularly when Pam was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He put his advocacy and personal pursuits aside to become a caregiver, a role he embraced with love and dedication until her passing in 2023. During this challenging time, Donny’s faith in God deepened and his bond with his daughters strengthened. Reflecting on the importance of family, Donny chose to reaffirm his faith and was baptized again in 2025, marking a renewed commitment to God.

Donny was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Millicent Christen, his beloved wife Pamela, his son-in-law Darren Friend Jr., and his cherished four-legged companions, his many Dobies.

He is survived by his two daughters, Tara Friend, and Tracy and husband Marc Cowan; his grandchildren, Logan and Emily Cowan, Brooklyn and Jeffrey Bearor, Lexie and Nate Watson, and Ty and Ashley Friend; and his great-grandchildren, Elaine, Oliver, and Alden. Donny is also survived by his brother, Bob and wife Bunny Christen, and sister, Linda and husband Warren Carlson, as well as many extended family members, and in-laws.

Donny’s legacy is carried on by the many friends and caregivers who brought joy into his life. The family would like to express special gratitude to Donna, Sarah, Cindy, and Mykayla for their unwavering care, patience, and support. Special thanks to his close friends Steve Luce, Paul Goodridge, Cliff Cummings, Larry and Joyce Delano, Bill Bookheim, and so many more.

We will be holding a service for Donny, Dec. 6, 2025, at The Christ Community Fellowship Church located at 43 Maple St, Madison Maine at 1 p.m. There will be a celebration of life to follow at The Starks Community Center located at 57 Anson Road, Starks.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to one of the organizations Donny held close to his heart:

The Alzheimer’s Association at http://www.alz.org or

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at http://www.stjude.org