YARMOUTH — Steven Register, president of a Portland printing company and an active member of the community, died Tuesday at age 54.

Mr. Register entered the printing industry in the late 1970s, working for Pitney Bowes, Maine Printing and Deep River Production. In 2002 he founded his own print and design company, East Shore Studio & Print in Portland.

He was diagnosed with brain cancer about three years ago.

Maggie Hoople, his business partner, said Wednesday that Mr. Register was well-respected in the industry. He worked directly with customers to ensure their needs were met, she said.

“We are devastated here,” Hoople said. “He was a wonderful man. He was an inspiration to all of us as he battled this disease. I’ll miss his smile. There was so much behind it he made you feel special when he smiled at you.”

Mr. Register’s family remembered him as a gentle and loving man who fought his cancer with strength, courage and conviction. His sister, Nancy Shepard of Wilbraham, Mass., said he put up a valiant fight and always had a positive attitude.

“He chose to have a third and final surgery, which gave him another five months of life,” his sister said. “He spent every moment he could connecting with people he loved and doing the things he loved to do. He did a lot of quiet participating in life, just being with the family and loving us.”

His wife, Gena Canning, said Wednesday that the couple shared an amazing life together.

“We had a true partnership and a deep, deep love for each other,” she said. “We supported each other. I think the biggest thing is that we both became better people. I truly felt honored to be his wife.”

David Register, 22, the oldest of the couple’s three children, said he and his father shared many interests, including music, sports and movies. He said his father always supported him.

“He took me to my first audition when I was 6 years old,” said his son, an actor. “He never stopped showing up for me. I feel very fortunate. I had a great father.”

Mr. Register, formerly of South Portland, spent every summer with his family on Heron Island off Winter Harbor.

He spent time there playing tennis and boating. He had a great passion for boating and respect for the sea, his wife said.

Mr. Register was active in the community, serving on the boards of Boys to Men and First Radio Parish Church of America. He was also assistant coach of his son Christopher’s youth soccer team in Yarmouth, and a member of several fellowship organizations.

Mr. Register dedicated his life to being of service to others, his wife said.

“He was full of dignity and respect for others in all walks of life,” she said. “I’ll miss his warm hugs, his beautiful smile and the way that he loved me.” 

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:
mcreamer@pressherald.com

 

 

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