Peter Philip Poland

When he was four, an inquisitive boy played at a family farm with his best friend. Later that day, the boy got too close to a stall and was kicked by a cow. His bruised and swollen face garnered him much attention in the following days, but his sweet smile and warm spirit melted the hearts of those caring for him. This would be his legacy.

Peter Philip Poland was born to Grace Poland and Rev. Philip Poland on June 19, 1972 in Gardiner, ME. Known as Uncle Pete, Sneaky Pete and Hillbilly, he grew up in Whitefield, ME in a time when kids played outside, rode their bikes for hours, swam at the dam, or rode to the Kings Mills post office where Pete's dad was postmaster.
The family often frequented Salt Pond in Bristol and it became a special place for Pete. He shared this love with his wife Bobbi (he proposed to her there in 1995; they married later that year) and then with their children. It was a magical place where love was always present, and troubles seemed to wash away with the tide.
Pete worked as a truck driver for many years and he proudly served his country in the US Army from 1989-1990.

Pete loved animals and enjoyed coon hunting with his coon dogs, particularly redbones. He enjoyed raising his blue-ribbon winning cattle. He was a self-taught showman who persevered, a trait which he passed down to his children.

After Bobbi's death on May 22, 2009, Pete lost a piece of himself. Family, friends and local church members tried to help get him back on track. He said he found peace watching deer in the fields. Following a beautiful visit with his children and family members sharing laughter, tears and hugs, Pete succumbed to a rare form of cancer on November 28, 2019. He was 47.

He was predeceased by his father Rev. Philip Poland, mother Grace Poland, father-in-law Robert Caswell and his wife Bobbi Poland.

He is survived by his daughter Amber Blake and husband Ryan (Ethan, Ryker, Elloise Grace) of Hallowell; son Johnathan Blais and wife Carolyn (Lukas, Colton) of Vassalboro; daughter Chelsey Poland of Gardiner; a sister Naomi Martin and husband Lionel of Great Falls, MT; a sister Carol Poland Acedo and husband Stephen of Whitefield, ME; nephew Justin Poland and wife Alysia (Colby, Noah) of Great Falls, MT; and niece Megan Acedo (Sierra) of Whitefield, ME. No formal service is scheduled.
The family thanks Senator Susan Collins who was an invaluable support to the family during this time. We are forever grateful for her empathy and action on Pete's behalf.