WINDHAM- Jeffrey D. Smith, 66, of Windham, Me died peacefully at home on March 17, 2018 after a year long hard fought battle with lung cancer. He was born in Moncton, NB, Canada on Jan. 1, 1952 to the late Rio C. and Dorothy A. Smith. He spent his early years in NB and Ontario, Canada, moving to Portland, ME with his mother and sister in 1960. He attended Portland schools, graduating from Portland High School in 1970.
Jeff served briefly in the Army, being honorably discharged with a service related disability. He returned to Maine, eventually settling in Windham. He was employed by the Portland Water District as a heavy equipment operator, retiring after a work injury. He later subcontracted to install septic systems and dig foundations. He had his own “fleet” of vehicles which included a backhoe, dump truck, tractor, 4-wheeler, truck, car, 87 Corvette and tri-glide Harley motorcycle.
Jeff purchased some land and a small cabin on Little Duck Pond. Over the years, he replaced that cabin with a house and garage that he built himself. He was self-taught, having no formal or informal training or schooling in house construction. He loved the solitude he found living in the only year round residence on the pond. He was an avid reader and always had the companionship of a dog and cat. When he wanted human company, he would visit his cousin Steve at the Serv-U-Garage on Rt. 302 where he could usually find a guy or two to hang out with. Jeff enjoyed weekend motorcycle rides in the country with Steve and other friends. Jeff liked auto racing and attending the races in Louden, NH.
Although Jeff travelled some, including an Alaskan cruise, he was the most content when he stayed at home on the pond with a good book and his animals close by. He always had a project or two in the works.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Shelley Williams, of Falmouth, ME, his sister Anne Smith and her husband Peter Fuller of Kennebunk and their children Nathan and Hallie Fuller of Portland, aunts Bonnie Rogers of Windham, Vivian Dean of So. Portland, and Mary Kelly of Trenton, Ontario, and many cousins and friends. His closest and dearest friend was his cousin Steven Rogers of Windham. They were more like brothers than cousins and always had each other’s back. Steve accompanied Jeff to his chemo and radiation treatments, Dr. appts, trips to Togus, trips to the bank etc. He would do anything and everything he could to help Jeff. He kept the mile long , hilly “camp road” to Jeff’s house clear in all seasons and ferried family and caregivers to Jeff in the last weeks before Jeff died. Jeff could not have asked for a more loyal and trusted friend. Jeff had a special relationship with Steve’s son Matthew Rogers . Jeff is also survived by his “critters”, German shepherd Sable, and cats Charlie and Big Guy. Jeff was predeceased by his uncle Carl Rogers, who was like a father figure to him, his uncle Lawrence Dean, and his uncle Clinton Kelly.
Per Jeff’s request there will be no formal funeral. A celebration of his life for family and friends will be held on March 31 from 3-6 pm at the VFW Center in North Windham.
Jeff’s family would like to express deep appreciation to Hospice of Southern ME personnel Jay, Martine, Cindy, Lynn and Julie for the kindness, compassion and expertise they provided to both Jeff and his family these past two weeks.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Chad E. Poitras / Neal & York Funeral Home website, www.mainefuneral.com