FARMINGTON – Stanley Phillip Keirstead, 86, of Farmington, died at the Pierce House on Monday, May 11, 2020 following a gradual decline with dementia.
He was born August 22, 1933, in Greenville Junction, a son of Phillip Roy and Charlotte Inez (Jardine) Keirstead.
He was a graduate of Greenville High School, Farmington State Teachers College, and the University of Maine. While at Farmington, he lodged with Donald and Esther Metcalf, and met their daughter Jane when she came home from Orono on vacation.
On June 27, 1954, they married. Stan was drafted almost as soon as he started his first teaching job. He was sent to Nancy, France, where he and Jane lived with a local widow and served as teachers for the Army. After their return, they welcomed two daughters, Andrea and Kimberly, Stan got his Master’s at Orono, and they moved into the house on Court Street where Andrea still lives. Stan went back into teaching, and eventually became the first principal of Mt. Blue High School. Eventually, this marriage ended in divorce, but the family remained close.
Stan was an avid watercolorist, and also taught the art for more than twenty-five years. Watercoloring was a talent shared with his second wife, Barbara Ann Peary Christopher, whom he married on August 2, 1980. After Stan retired, they showed their work around the state and were active in UpCountry Artists. They coordinated the annual Sugarloaf Art Show during Homecoming for many years. They also enjoyed traveling together.
Barbara’s two daughters, Lynn and Cheryl, were cherished by Stan. He and Barbara spent many happy hours watching Cheryl’s sons play sports for Farmington-area teams and then Mt. Blue High School. They loved and were very proud of all their grandchildren, and were happily getting to know their great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughters Andrea, and Kim Huff and her husband Darryl; and his stepdaughters Cheryl Wells and her husband Patrick, and Lynn Mitchell and her husband Will. He is also survived by their grandchildren, Megan Woodruff and her husband Evan, Benjamin Pierce and his companion Melanie Thulin, Brian Wells and his companion Kaity Mahoney, Steven Wells and his wife Nikki Rose Lam, Lisa Hargus and her husband Simon, and Michael Mitchell and his wife Mary; and their great-grandchildren, Saul and June Hargus and Josie Mitchell; as well as his nieces Linda Greenleaf, and Candace Alley and her husband Raynard, and their nephew Matthew Gordon and his companion Kasey Lambert.
Stan was predeceased by Barbara and Jane, as well as by his brother, Charles Oliver Keirstead. He was also very close to Barbara’s sister Norma Gordon and her husband Lawrence, who graciously took in Buddy, a cat who came from the shelter and became a wonderful companion.
Due to current restrictions a memorial celebration will be held at a later date. Interment will be with Barbara at the Strong Village Cemetery. Cremation cared for by Wiles Remembrance Center: Adams-McFarlane Chapel 137 Farmington Falls Rd. Farmington.
A kind word may be left in his book of memories at www.wilesrc.com
I knew him to be a good artist and nice guy. He was once one of my teachers in high school. R.I.P. Stan!
My sincere condolences to the family.
Stan was first my teacher, then my principal, later he and I taught together at SAHS when he took a one year position.
He was a great teacher and a great person.
I met him again when he displayed his art at a Sugarloaf art show and was impressed with his watercolor scenes of Sugarloaf and Bigelow Mts.
Stan was truly and multitalented person.
A.Pillsbury
Always enjoyed seeing Stan out and about, usually at the supermarket. He was a good principle and served
well there. His painting are beautiful. He will be missed and kindly thought of.
Sincerely condolences to his family,
Carol
Stan was a truly generous and kind man. He and Barbara both were very encouraging to me and my artistic endeavors. Many of us enjoyed going to his studio to paint on Monday evenings and continued there until his declining health made it difficult for him. We enjoyed his friendship and Stan’s many stories of their travels, life in Greenville, his Army days, being principal, etc. He will be greatly missed by his many students and the community.
Mr. Keirstead was my favorite high school teacher. My Mom gave me one of his paintings many years ago and it meant so much to me.
Dear Cheryl..we are so sorry to hear about your dad.
We are sending you love and prayers.
Stan was a wonderful man, great Principal and talented artist. I always enjoyed seeing him at the Fall Art Show at Sugarloaf.
Sending my Sympathy to Andrea & Stan`s Family. Stan was a very kind, friendly & talented artist.
I took painting lessons from Stan within the Adult Ed Program many years ago. I admired his flair & creativity in his paintings & appreciated his patience & good humor with his, “Adult-Students!’ I am sure Stan has left many good & heartfelt memories.
I only knew Stan as an adult (me). I admired his painting skills and treasure the painting hanging in my nautical bathroom – Lighthouse at Bass Harbor.
I’m so sorry, Andrea and Kim and the rest of the family. Your father was a most special man – a community leader, an artist, a gentleman, and a wonderful father who loved his daughters dearly. Thinking of you during this time of grieving and pandemic. Dora
Andrea and Stan’s family, our condolences on your loss. May he rest in peace.
Our sincere condolences to Stan’s family. He was a very loved and respected gentleman, may he RIP!
Andrea,
So sorry to hear of your dads passing. What a life of impact he had on our community. Thinking of you and your family during this time.
Yours ,
The Conlogues
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad, Andrea and Kim. He was a pretty amazing person! I think of him whenever I paint evergreen trees, since he’s the one who first taught me how. Thinking of you. Patti
Stan was such a wonderful man, a true gentleman .
When I took watercolor classes from Stan he was always helpful and patient guiding me through my first creations. His classes were fun and educational in a relaxed atmosphere. Anita and I were set up next to him and Barbara at the Sugarloaf show for several years and they were good “neighbors.” He was a kind thoughtful man and will be missed. Our condolences to his family.
So sorry to hear of Stan’s passing. I think of him often as I am the proud owner of one of his prints. Sincere condolences to those he leaves behind.