He attended Clarksville Elementary School, and was a 1975 graduate of Bethlehem Central High School in Delmar, New York. In 1986 Doug received a Bachelor of Arts in Art, Cum Laude, from the University of Southern Maine.
Doug lived in Rockland for some years, then in Portland, and since 2003 lived in Topsham at the Barron’s Hill Apartments. During his adulthood he endured mental illness and, especially lately, the side effects of medications meant to control it. In spite of this Doug was wellknown in the communities, often through his painting, drawing, photography, love of gardening, and expertise in botany, which he had studied in college.
He also volunteered widely. Doug taught art classes at The Gathering Place; served customers at the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Soup Kitchen and took care of the garden there; walked dogs in recent years at the Coastal Humane Society; answered the phone at Spectrum Generations in Topsham; and helped with the garden at The Learning and Recovery Center.
He was often seen walking, or at local coffee shops where he would sit and draw, and will be missed for his gentle, caring manner by everyone who knew him. Doug gave of his time and talents without limit.
Doug was predeceased by his father in 2003.
Surviving is his mother, Nancy R. Palmer of Eastport, Maine; a brother, Keith R. Palmer of Waianae, Hawaii; and sister, Shirley M. Richardson, and her husband Doug, of Eastport, Maine. A nephew, Peter S. Palmer of Florissant, Missouri; and nieces Haley A. Richardson and Arielle B. Richardson of Eastport, Maine. Close friends Dorothy Sawyer, Donna Shelley, Dorothy Scott, and Marcelino Rivera and Victoria Ritz, as well as many others. His art also survives him, and is in homes and businesses and the places where he volunteered.
Interment will be in the spring at Hillside Cemetery, Eastport, Maine. Donations in his memory can be made to any of the organizations he volunteered at, or a charity of your choice. There will be a local service in his memory in April. Please see the Stetson’s Funeral Home website for more information.
Condolences may be expressed, photos viewed and photos downloaded at stetsonsfuneralhome.com.
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