Philip George Gutekunst (aka “Phil), a 75-year-old resident of North Norway, Maine passed away on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023, at the Androscoggin Hospice House.

Phil is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carol Gutekunst, his son Jason Gutekunst, his daughters Kate Gutekunst and Rachel Gutekunst, his brothers Steve Gutekunst and Jim Gutekunst, and an array of beloved grand-pets.

Phil was born on August 31, 1948, in Holyoke, Mass., to George Clifford Gutekunst, a Methodist minister and Mary Tweedy Gutekunst, an early childhood educator. Phil spent the early years of his life moving around the northeast with his parents and brothers, with summers spent at the family farmhouse in Norway, Maine. Phil and Carol moved to Norway, full time in the late 1970s to raise their children away from the bustle of Washington D.C.

Phil enjoyed listening to music, playing the bass guitar, reading, golfing, skiing, photography, and working on his land, among many other interests. He was a jack of all trades and the master of some. Phil retired in 2010 from a fulfilling career as the Director of Recreation in Bridgton. He strived to see the best in people and always enjoyed a good joke or a bad pun. He delighted in storytelling and in the final years of his life, he often delivered this story with gratitude: “I’m one lucky SOB! I got to do everything I ever wanted in life. I married that feisty little woman (Carol) and who knows why she put up with me for so long! I got to raise my children in Maine, which is basically paradise. I got to play golf and ski. Deciding to ski was the best thing that happened to us in the winter! I got to play in a band, which I always wanted to do. I got to write for the newspaper (Portland Press Herald and Advertiser Democrat) and then I got the job that I was born to do (Recreation Director in Bridgton). I don’t want this life to be over, but I’m not scared because I know that Carol will eventually meet me wherever I go. You think this is the first life we’ve lived together? Ha!”

A memorial celebration will be held for Phil from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at The Victorian on Main in Norway (230 Main Street, www.thevictorian230main.com, (207) 344-8058). Food and beverages will be provided. Please bring good cheer in remembrance of Phil and if you remember a silly story or terrible pun that Phil would have enjoyed, bring that as well. RSVP appreciated but not required: email at kgreerg@gmail.com. Donations to cover the cremation and memorial celebration will be accepted in lieu of flowers and gifts. Link for donations: https://gofund.me/a3d6e753