Holden - John H. Stetson, 68, passed away unexpectedly on February 18, 2017, on Mount Katahdin. John was born October 6, 1948, to Valeda and Robert Stetson in Bangor. He graduated Bangor High School with the class of 1966. He attended the University of Maine at Orono and studied civil engineering, graduating with honors. He started Stetson and Watson Co., which was highly successful over the years.

John was deeply committed to his family and close friends, demonstrating his love with acts of service and unwavering commitment. He loved his work with a passion and demonstrated his intellect and ingenuity in innumerable ways throughout his career. In his spare time, he routinely enjoyed his outdoor activities (including iceboating, skiing, running, hiking, etc.) and loved his “projects”.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years Alanna (Sorensen) Stetson and their children: Nathaniel David Stetson and his wife, Fatima, of Oklahoma City, OK, Sarah Elizabeth Stetson of Brewer, Rebekah Irene (Stetson) Campbell and her husband, Chad, of Bradley, and Daniel Aaron Stetson of Holden; grandchildren, Jericho Daniel Stetson of Brewer, Jahaan Stetson, Imana Stetson and Ava Stetson of Oklahoma City, OK, and Kalyx Campbell of Bradley; his siblings, Mary (Stetson) Carson and her husband, Jim, and Gay (Stetson) Newby and her husband, Brad; nieces and nephews, Erik Smith, Jared Smith, Austin Coffin, Tyler Coffin, MacKenzie Boyd, Michelle (Stetson) Parsons, Aleisha Newby, Brandon Newby, Justin Newby, and Rachel Newby.

John is also survived by his longtime, close friends, Barry Porter, Bob Southard, and John Watson.
He was an individual who was proud of his heritage, who always lived his life in his own genuine way. He had a tremendous respect for life, and he had a sense of natural strength, intelligence, and warmth that was infectious. He will be missed dearly by his friends and family.

Relatives and friends are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center Street, Bangor where funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, February 24, 2017 with pastor Jon Ouellette, officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor immediately following the service. Those wishing to remember John is a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Maine Muscular Dystrophy Association 39 Mechanic Street #100, Westbrook, Maine 04092. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.