Deer Isle — Jeff Amsrud 61, died Thursday, November 23, 2017 at Blue Hill Memorial hospital from advanced colon cancer.
Jeff was born in Osh Kosh, Wisconsin on August 22, 1956. He received his undergraduate degree from Evergreen State College and his master’s degree from Northeastern University. Although he studied Political Science, he earned his living with his hands. He spent many years building pipe organs, then boats, and eventually started Beech Hill Woodworks, his furniture and cabinet shop on Deer Isle.
A man of tremendous integrity, curiosity, unfailing kindness and imagination, he will be deeply missed by his wife Katy Helman, his chosen daughter, Meaghan Robinson, his family, his friends, as well as his two Scottish Terriers, Bell and Whistle.
A sincere thank you to the medical community – to Oncology at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, Island Family Medicine, Beacon Hospice, and Seaside Pharmacy – all of whom helped us through this difficult time. And a special thank you to Dr. Daniel Cassidy who went above and beyond in his thoughtful care of both of us. This would have been far more painful without everyone’s team work.
And to all our friends and the Island community, you have shown us astonishing compassion and support. Jeff was a guy who always “showed up” and so have you. A heartfelt thank you. I can’t imagine going through this in any other community.
The message he leaves behind is for everyone to get regularly scheduled colonoscopies to avoid his ordeal of the past 20 months.
For those would like to attend, there will be a brief gathering in our field at 10 Beech Hill Road, Deer Isle on December 3nd at 3:00pm, followed by food at our house.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeff’s name can be made to The Ark Animal Shelter, PO Box 276, Cherryfield, 04622 or Healthy Island Project of Deer Isle, PO Box 55, Stonington, 04681.
Condolences may be expressed at www.acadiacremation.com
10 Condolences
You will always be an amazing uncle. Heartbroken to see you leave but you are no longer in pain. You will forever be missed and never forgotten. The compassion and love for family will carry on. We love and miss you forever and always.
Katy … I was so sorry to read of Jeff’s passing. Having worked with him at HewesCo, I can honestly say that he was a gentleman in every aspect of the word. My heart goes out to you. May you cherish your memories and somehow smile once again.
To my friend and Uncle. Never got to say goodbye proper so I’m doing it now. I want to remember good times as we grew up together like you taught me how to ride your mini bike and snowmobile. And many more things we did together early on. I’m glad your pain is gone peace be with Katie. Love and miss you till we see each other again.
Dearest Katie,
I am so sad to hear of of Jeff’s death. You and Jeff were always people that I wished I had gotten to know better in my summers on Deer Isle. I know you have great strength and resilience and many cherished memories to carry you. You are so loved in that community and I know they will hold you close.
Best love to you,
Finn
Katy,
I did not really know Jeff, but I always assumed that he was a very important part of who you are and have been for this community that loves you. I would have joined you in the field, if I had known about it at the time. You are such an important part of this place. The lovely obituary is a credit to you and to him. I know something of the journey you are on, and I send love and endurance to you, my friend!
Dear Katy – It takes awhile for the Advantages to get to Florida, so I just learned of your husband’s death. I was so sorry to read of it, even though I had never met him. The write up was lovely. He sounds like he was a wonderful man who will be missed. My condolences to you…
Dear Katy,
I’m truly so sad to hear of Jeff’s passing. He was a kind and gentle soul. I remember visiting you both years ago when I was in Maine and had a wonderful lobster dinner on the dining table he built. Also, I remember many summer days escaping the city heat of Boston to your home on Deer Island! Jeff and I also liked to go to eat lunch at this one Indian restaurant on Massachusetts Ave. when he and I both worked in the city. He will be missed. My condolences to you and his family and friends.
Katy – The news of Jeff’s passing is heartbreaking – the world has lost an exceptionally kind, creative and loving man. You and he made a beautiful life together, and I wish you peace in all the days ahead.
Katy, I am so saddened to learn of Jeff’s passing a year ago. I went to elementary school in Oshkosh for many years with Jeff. He, John Lorge, and I used to trade vinyl albums of classical music. He was a deep friend back then, and I lost track of him when he went west to build pipe organs. My deepest sympathies.
Dear Katy and family,
I only recently learned of Jeff’s death. I am so very sorry to hear that and my heart felt condolences , love and light, go out to you. He was a lovely, talented man. I always hoped we’d all see each other again. I send you healing love and light and hope to see you again someday. Your painting, Katy still hands in my office and Connor’s first Pez dispenser from you and Jeff, still holds a spot in the kitchen.
Love, Ania
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