PORTLAND – David Parker Jefferson, 59, of Portland passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 after succumbing to Lewy Body disease. David was born on Jan. 5, 1962 in Evanstan, Ill. to Joseph and Shirley Jefferson. He grew up in Lexington, Mass. while dividing his time between Lexington and the family summer home in Harpswell, Maine. David attended Lexington High School and graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a B.A. in English. David was employed by L.L.Bean for 18 years in multiple positions, starting on the sales floor. By the time he left L.L.Bean, David was regularly traveling to Japan and Hong Kong for his work. David also spent a year living and working in France for the sporting goods company Decathlon. He also worked for Idexx Laboratories for 11 years in sales. He enjoyed that position immensely and made many friends. Loving husband, uncle, brother, friend, David is survived by his wife of 18 years, Christine Kiley of Portland. Throughout their marriage, Dave and Christine shared a treasured love and friendship along with countless mutual interests; daily hikes with the dogs, books, bee-keeping, island camping, winemaking, canoeing, boating, gardening, traveling and exploring the coast of Maine. Acadia National Park held a special place in Dave’s heart. Even after 19 years together, David never began or ended his day without wishing his wife a good morning and good night. Dave’s kind nature, curiosity about the world and dry sense of humor were infectious. He made friends easily and maintained lifelong friendships. Several of these friends went out of their way to spend memorable time with David as his health declined. It brought him tremendous comfort and joy that these friends still sought him out despite increasing physical limitations. Always interested in the lives of others, David would become excited as he recounted a new acquaintance that he had met. He often left fruit and vegetables from his yard on the doorsteps of neighbors. Dave also had a tremendous love and respect for animals, dogs in particular. Many canines in the neighborhood went crazy with joy when they spotted him. He was also the funny uncle who delighted in surprising his nieces and nephews. A voracious reader with a photographic memory, Dave was very knowledgeable on a variety of topics from world history to sailing, sports, geography, politics, and the natural world. His wife would often joke that she did not need Google; she had Dave. Throughout his life, Dave enjoyed backcountry, downhill and X-country skiing, sailing, motorcycle touring, hiking, river rafting and cycling. Locations ranged from the United States to Europe and Asia. In his late 40s Dave learned to play ice hockey by joining the local Men’s Early Morning Hockey League. He considered this league to be a brotherhood and played until illness made it impossible. David stayed in close contact with this group until his passing. David’s strength and grace over the past five years were remarkable. He never once complained about his diagnosis or the physical or mental challenges that came along with it. He simply lived life to the fullest of his ability and focused on the things that he was still able to do. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. David is also survived by his siblings, Joanne Havener of Litchfield Park, Ariz., Peter Jefferson of Van Burien, Wash., William Jefferson of Bath; and six nieces and three nephews. Due to Covid-19, a private burial and service will be held this summer. Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations in David’s name be made to:ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) at ASPCA.org