Lee, Dexter

FLAG

SWAN’S ISLAND

Dexter Lee, 78, died May 26, 2023, at Swan’s Island.  He was born March 28, 1945, in Reading, Massachusetts, son of Capt. Henry A. and G. Irma (Matthews) Lee.

Dexter grew up in South Bridgton, Maine and attended Bridgton High School his freshman and sophomore years. He moved to Swan’s Island in 1960 and graduated from Pemetic High School in 1962. He graduated from New England Institute in 1963. He served with the U.S. Army in Viet Nam.

In typical island fashion Dexter worked many jobs over the years: Manager of the Swan’s Island Electric Co-op, stern man for various lobstermen, lobster buyer, salmon aqua culturist, postmaster relief.

Dexter was first elected as a Selectman for Swan’s Island in 1972 and served for 43 ½ years. He was a member of the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission and had served as Chairman of the Hancock County Planning Commission. He represented Swan’s Island at the Maine Islands Coalition and the MDI League of Towns.

He was a member of South Bridgton Congregational Church, Hancock Lodge No. 150, IOOF and Mount Desert Lodge No. 140 A.F. & A.M. He was a Trustee of the Swan’s Island Educational Society and the Swan’s Island Historical Society. He was an avid genealogist and local historian. He loved to travel, making several cross-country trips.

He was a member of the Hockamock Players and much to the consternation of other cast members he would frequently ad-lib his lines.

He is survived by his sons, William P. Betts and granddaughter Avery of Connecticut and Scott C. Betts and his wife Hildy Ricciardi and grandson James of New Milford, CT.  He was predeceased by his parents, a sister Texas L. Driggs and brothers Richard C. and David A. Lee.

A final appearance on the stage at Odd Fellows Hall, Swan’s Island will be on a date to be determined. The burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, Swan’s Island.

“This is the Great Theatre of Life. Admission is free, but taxation is mortal. You come when you can and leave when you must. The show is continuous. Goodnight.” – Robertson Davies