Edward Peter Steenstra

     Edward Peter Steenstra, 79, of Bucksport died peacefully in his sleep October 13, 2023 at Sedgewood Commons in Falmouth. He was born January 24, 1944 in Bar Harbor, the son of the late Edward F. and Mildred E. Steenstra.

     Edward graduated from Mynderse Academy High School in Seneca Falls, NY, before following in his brother’s footsteps by enlisting in the Navy where he refined his interest in photography. After four years in the Navy, Edward worked briefly as a photographic technician at GE before beginning his undergraduate studies at Keene State College and then finished his bachelor’s degree in secondary science education at University of Southern Maine. Edward taught Earth Sciences at Pemetic Junior High School in Southwest Harbor for ten years while sharing his love for nature during the summers as a Seasonal Naturalist in Acadia National Park. Edward went on to earn his Masters of Education and completed all but his dissertation for a Doctorate of Education in Environmental Science Education at the University of Maine at Orono. Other summer jobs Edward enjoyed was being a National Park Tour guide and working at The Atlantic Oakes, but he truly found his calling as the outreach coordinator at Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery where he could blend his love of teaching with his passion for conservation and nature photography.  

     Edward is survived by his brother, James V. Steenstra and wife Ginny of Hancock; sister-in-law Marion Steenstra of Inverness, FL; two sons Peter John Steenstra and wife Christina of Monmouth, and Clark E. Steenstra and wife Cheryl of Bath; one daughter Karyn L. Steenstra and husband James of Longmont, CO; former spouse Marcia W. Steenstra of Rockland; three granddaughters, and four grandsons. He was predeceased by his brother, Frederick W. Steenstra of Inverness, FL; and his sister, Barbara S. Alley of Ellsworth.

     A family interment service will be held at the Steenstra Family Grace Chapel in Robbinston on November 11, 2023 at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory by mail to the Robbinston Historical Society, 505 River Road, Robbinston, ME 04671. Condolences may be made online at www.DaigleFuneralHome.com

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