EMPLOYEES AND friends of John Peters, left, held an open house retirement party for him last Thursday at Downeast Energy in Brunswick.
John Peters will have a little more time for family and recreation now that he’s retired as Downeast Energy president following a remarkable 32 years with the company.
But Peters, 64, will not allow himself to get “rusty.”
Not only does he run to stay in good physical shape, but the Harpswell resident will remain active in the business world. Peters will lend his acumen at developing jobs to his position as a board member for the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, which is bringing new businesses into the former Brunswick Naval Air Station.
Peters also sits on the board of Norway Savings Bank, Lee Auto Group and the Maine Early Investment Auto Group.
Retirement?
“I don’t know what to call it,” Peters said during an open house retirement party last week at the Downeast Energy offices on Spring Street. “But I will have more time to spend with my wife, my grandchildren, play golf, go fishing and boating. Fortunately, my wife and I are very healthy.”
Peters’ wife is Sandy, who he met while both were students at the University of Maine. The couple, who have lived in the Brunswick area for 36 years, have three children.
Dick Morrell, whose family sold the business to NGL Energy Partners last year, was one of the many wellwishers on hand at Peters’ send-off.
Morrell — who promoted him to the post of president — praised Peters as a thoughtful, professional and able leader at one of the state’s largest oil dealers.
“He’s been a tremendous addition to our family business,” Morrell said.
Peters, a 1965 graduate of Waterville High School, was a University of Maine freshman at the age of 16 — having entered school early and skipped fourth grade. He earned his undergraduate’s degree in economics in 1969 and his master’s three years later.
He worked for Central Maine Power from then until 1981, then became a financial adviser to former Gov. James Longley.
At Downeast Energy, Peters started as comptroller, then moved to vice president prior to taking the top job.
Peters said the company is in good shape under its new ownership.
“I’m satisfied with the whole transaction,” he said. “Everybody kept their jobs. In this day and age, that’s quite a feat, and quite a tribute to the family that owns the business.”
lgrard@timesrecord.com
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
