Warren Richard Cheever

CAPE ELIZABETH – Warren Richard Cheever, 85, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, with his family gathered nearby. Born on Dec. 17, 1939, in Springfield, Vt., he was the son of Ernest and Doris (McIntyre) Cheever.

Warren attended Springfield schools before beginning his college education at Baldwin Wallace College in Ohio, where he met his first wife, Elizabeth Keith. He later earned his degree in history from the University of Vermont.

For several years, Warren lived and worked in the Boothbay Region of Maine, contributing to local construction projects and area shipyards. He worked at the Goudy and Stevens shipyard in East Boothbay, where he participated in building the replica of the schooner yacht America, launched in 1967. It was during this time that he met and married the love of his life, Nancy Swasey Maynard.

Soon after, Warren and Nancy moved to Winterport, where they operated the Purple Shutter Studio, a gallery showcasing Nancy’s stunning acrylic paintings and intricate copper enamels, and Warren’s expertly crafted furniture. They were among the founders of the United Maine Craftsmen, and their studio soon became mobile, exhibiting at craft shows and fairs across the Northeast.

Warren was a highly skilled carpenter, and in 1974, he founded Warren R. Cheever & Sons, constructing high-quality reproduction colonial homes throughout the Bangor area. In 1977, he incorporated the business as Old Winterport Homes, Inc., leaving behind a lasting mark of craftsmanship in the region.

In the 1980s, Warren and Nancy moved to Yarmouth and later Freeport. Warren joined the faculty of the former Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, where he taught the building trades. After retirement, Warren and Nancy continued to exhibit Nancy’s artwork in southern Maine. In his later years, Warren was a friendly and familiar face at Freeport’s Winslow Park seasonal gatehouse, a place that held special meaning for him and his family, as it hosted their cherished yearly gatherings.

Warren was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife, Nancy Swasey Cheever; his stepson, Herbert Maynard Jr.; his step-grandsons Keith Maynard and Shale Maynard; his sister, Judith Cheever Graham; and his brother, Fred Cheever.

He is survived by his children, Kerrin Cheever Erhard (Lincoln) of Boothbay, Sandy Maynard of Portland, and Wayne Maynard (Diana) of Duxbury, Mass.; his grandchildren, Philip Maynard (Meagan), Steven Maynard (Brittney), Joya Maynard (Scott Porter), Blake Erhard, and Mason Erhard; his great-grandchildren, Gianna, Clare, Dawson, Rypley, Olivia, Ayla, Aurora Grey, Kaylin, Waylin, and Gibson; his brother, Robert Cheever of Conway, S.C.; and many nieces and nephews.

Warren will be remembered for his warm presence, remarkable craftsmanship, and unwavering dedication to family. His legacy lives on in the homes he built, the furniture he crafted, and the many lives he touched along the way.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Cape Memory Care and Beacon Hospice for their loving care. A celebration of Warren’s life will be held at a later date.

Donations may be made in his memory to the

Alzheimer’s Association.