Indian Island - We are sad to report that Patrick Irving 'Yogi' Bear, 71, of Indian Island, died October 19, 2016, at his home surrounded by his wife and two children. He was born September 5, 1945, in Old Town, Maine, a son of Clarence Bear and Gloria (Ranco) Hutchinson.
He graduated from Old Town High School in 1965 where he was well known for his athleticism in both football and baseball.
Shortly after graduating from high school, Patrick enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War earning numerous service medals. He was very proud of his service in the Marine Corps. He lived by the motto, "Once a Marine, Always a Marine."
Patrick was a deeply religious and spiritual man who was a good and faithful servant of Saint Ann's Catholic Church, Indian Island. He served many years as an acolyte and Eucharistic minister. He and his wife Esther often traveled to other reservations to attend church and prayer services with other Native communities.
He was a proud citizen of the Penobscot Nation as well as the Tobique First Nation in New Brunswick, Canada. He was honored to have served as a Tribal Council member and Housing Commissioner for the Penobscot Nation.
Patrick was a kind, generous and hard-working man who was always willing to help anyone in need. He was a loving husband and father and friend to many. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. He loved to dance and enjoyed traveling with his wife Esther after retiring from the James River Corporation. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, playing cards with his family and puttering around the house. We could not have asked for a better husband, father or friend. He will be greatly missed by all.
Patrick is survived by his wife of 23 years, Esther L. Bear, his son, Seth Bear and wife Stephanie of South Carolina, his daughter Carole (Bear) Binette and husband Mark of Milford, his step-daughter, Laura (Sockabasin) Murdock and husband Corey of Orono and his step-son Raphael Sockabasin of Indian Island.
He is also survived by his grandchildren: Maliyan Binette, Nathan Bear, Nilah Bear, Erin Nicholas, Zachary Murdock, Mia Sockabasin and Ryan Sockabasin.
Also surviving are his sister Karen (Bear) Hunter of Indian Island, his brother Clark Bear of Veazie and his brother Michael Hutchinson and wife Arlene of New Hampshire.
Patrick was predeceased by his parents, sisters Linda (Bear) Czzowitz, Donna (Bear) Pellerin, Janice Bear and Rebecca Bear, and brothers Michael Bear, William Bear and John Bear. He was also predeceased by his step-daughter, Rachel (Sockabasin) Nicholas.
The family of Patrick Bear would like to thank The Visiting Angels and Hospice of Eastern Maine for their wonderful compassionate care during his battle with Alzheimer's. We will be forever grateful.
Friends may call 4-7 p.m., Sunday, at the Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town, ME. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m., Monday at Parish of the Resurrection Holy Family Church, Old Town. Burial with military honors will follow at Tribal Cemetery, Indian Island. Immediately following the services, all are invited to return to the Parish Hall for a light luncheon and continued fellowship.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association
P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 www.alz.org or the Maine Veteran's Home 44 Hogan Road Bangor, ME 04401
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