SACO – Bryce Gordon Milne Jr., 80, of Saco, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 6, 2023.

Bryce was born Jan. 23, 1943 in Wakefield, Mass. He was the eldest son of Bryce and Audrey (Gillette) Milne. Family was always very important to Bryce, and there was always a lot of family around. He grew up with his brother Ted and sister Alison often spending many happy days at the “farm” in New Hampshire with their close extended family. The family moved to Saco, Maine when Bryce was 13. He graduated from Thornton Academy in 1961 where he played football and worked as a lifeguard in the summers. Bryce attended Wentworth Institute of Technology in Massachusetts for engineering. He worked at a number of wire and cable companies including Simplex, Keyser and Davis Standard.

Bryce often traveled for work and met his wife Shuyn in 1988 while living in Taiwan. They moved back to the United States to be near Bryce’s four children Wendy, Amy, Betsy and Chris. Shuyn and Bryce went on to complete their family with the addition of their daughters, Alicia and Leigh-Ashley. They spent a number of years living in Singapore before moving back to Maine in the early 2000’s.

Bryce worked for Frank Galos Chevrolet for many years where he made many lasting friendships with his customers. He cherished the relationships he made in his community. Bryce worked hard for his family and was known for his quick wit and his ability to talk and connect with anyone who was near him. He will be sadly missed by all family and friends.

Golfing was a big part of Bryce’s life – he enjoyed playing with his family and at the annual Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine Golf Tournament. His whole family can remember the hours of visits, always with golf on in the background. Along with golf, Bryce was passionate about spending time with his family. From grilling his famous steak for family dinners to supporting his children and grandchildren at music and dance recitals and sporting events, he loved when everyone was together. He also loved his red Firebird.

In 2008, Bryce was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome and his family supported him on a long road to recovery. He used this challenge as an opportunity for good as he went on to educate students at the University of New England about this rare condition. Despite never fully recovering from Guillain-Barre, he never let that slow him down. Bryce became a very active participant in Maine Adaptive Skiing and continued to play golf.

Bryce is survived by his wife, Shuyn Shao Milne of Saco; six children, Wendy Nowell (Charlie Nowell) of Kennebunk, Amy Story (Rob Story) of Gorham, Betsy Nygren (Kirk Nygren) of Gorham, Christopher Milne (Jennifer McLaughlin Milne) of Buxton, Alicia Milne of Biddeford, and Leigh-Ashley Pettengill (Aaron Pettengill) of Cumberland; nine granddaughters, Megan Story Nelson (Kyle Nelson) and Lydia Story, Taylor, Lindsey, Erica and Kara Nygren, Hannah and Faith Milne, Lana Piela; and one great granddaughter, Greta Nelson. He is also survived by his brother, Theodore Milne (Lisa Milne) of Millinocket and his sister, Alison Milne of Saco; and his many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

His family would like to extend their great appreciation for the loving care Bryce received until the end at Gorham House Living Center and from the hospice staff from Compassus.

Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, May 24 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Cote Funeral Home, 87 James St., Saco, ME 04072. A private burial will happen later in the summer at Riverside Cemetary, Saugus, Mass.

To view Bryce’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit http://www.cotefuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bryce’s honor to the following organizations are greatly appreciated by his family:

Alzheimer’s Association

of America

322 8th Ave 16th Floor

New York, NY 10001 or:

Saco Food Pantry

PO Box 246

Saco, ME 04072

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