OBITUARY
David C. Stearns
9 October, 1980 – 26 December, 2020
ORLANDO---On December 26, 2020 David crossed the bridge between Heaven and Earth during a visit to his happy place, Disney World in Orlando, Florida. He resided in Turner with his husband Eric and sons Ethan and Jakob. He was born in Lewiston on October 9, 1980 a son of Chris Stearns and Debi Hunter-Thoits. He grew up in the Oxford Hills area and attended local schools. David graduated from Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in 1998 with high honors and was the recipient of the West Paris Jackson Scholarship Award given annually to the outstanding boy and girl from that Town. He continued his education at the University of Maine in Farmington, graduating with honors, and a Bachelor’s Degree in education and then completed his Master’s Degree through on-line classes. David had a strong work ethic and enjoyed working at the redemption center at the local West Paris store and Perham’s Mineral Store during his school years. After graduation, he taught at the Oxford Hills Junior High in South Paris and the Rowe School in Norway. While there he served as the District math coach and was always an enthusiastic assistant to his good friend Melissa Guerrette for seven years producing and building sets for the annual elementary school plays. During his teaching years David worked vacations and summers at TD Bank and eventually became a full-time employee at the bank. He quickly worked his way up from the teller line to Assistant Manager, Store Manager and his last position as Team Leader at the Auburn Call Center. David’s smile and personality could light up a room and he loved and was loved by everyone he met. He will be missed by all who knew him. David is survived by his husband Eric and sons Ethan and Jakob, his Mother, Debi Hunter-Thoits and Step Father, David, Father, Christopher Stearns, Brother, Travis Stearns and wife Kim, Sister, Danielle Rice and husband Braydon, Grandparents, Calvin and Judy Hunter, Uncle, Scott Hunter and husband Chad, Aunt, Kelly Grenier and husband Garth, Uncle, Nelson Carey and wife Faye and many nieces, nephews and extended family aunts, uncles and cousins. David was predeceased by his Great Grandparents, Everett and Alice Bean, Hubert and Natalie Stearns and a cousin, Craig Carey. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.thefortingroupauburn.com A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at Fortin\Auburn on Saturday January 23, 2021 from 1-4pm. The family request that you wear any Disney apparel that you may have in memory of David. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, only 50 people are allowed in the funeral home at one given time. Burial will take place at Gracelawn Memorial Park in Auburn at a later date. The family dearly wishes, in lieu of flowers, that a charitable contribution be made to a future college fund for their son Jakob at TD Bank in Great Falls Plaza in Auburn. Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group \ Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn, 783-8545.
Services
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Celebration of Life Gathering
Saturday, 23 January , 2021
Memories
David C. Stearns
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYKim Waterhouse
23 January 2021
Debi, Chris you and the entire family have my sincere condolences. So many memories in the 90's in West Paris, Agnes Gray, baseball. Sending love and prayers for comfort. Kim
Leslie Leathers
23 January 2021
While i never met David, I have the blessing of knowing his husband. I can say he must have been incredible because in all my life I never knew such happiness could exist until I saw the love and joy between Eric and him. To all his family, my sincerest condolences. Eric I love you my friend and am here for the boys and you in any possible way.
Errol Libby
20 January 2021
I would like to offer my condolences to all of David's loved ones. I was saddened when I read of his passing. I first met David when he was a student at Oxford Hills. He was wonderful to have in class, so cheerful and enthusiastic. I was delighted when returned to the district to teach. I thought he would be a great teacher. He was. I later had the privilege of working closely with him in math at the elementary level. He was a truly wonderful colleague and I think back fondly on the time we spent together. David was one of those people who made the world better simply by being in it. He was a bright spot in my day every time I saw him. He will certainly be missed by everyone who knew him.
Nancy Cote
17 January 2021
My deepest sympathies Eric & sons. My name is Nancy Cote - you do not know me personally. But I worked in a doctor's office with David's mom, Debi. I remember her speaking of such happiness of you & David and specifically of the time of when your sons were young at the time. So proud of you all.
Please also extend my condolences to Debi and David's siblings. Prayers are with all at this great time of sadness
Nancy Cote
Marilyn Thompson
17 January 2021
David I remember what a great mathematical whiz you were who encouraged me with the “you can do it” strategy. For a while we would meet as 6th grade teachers until you were recruited to be a math support person for the district. I will miss your smile, kind words, and caring. Such a loss at such a young age when your life was falling into place with a loved husband, and great looking family. No words can express how much you will be missed. I pray God helps give your family strength as they deal with losing you.
Joseph Anctil
16 January 2021
I was shocked and saddened to learn of David's passing. He was taken much too soon. My thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the family.
Jessica Riga
16 January 2021
This is so surreal ! My former boss my friend , a kind man who showed me and helped me succeed! Also made td bank feel like a family . His greatest conversations and thoughts where about his husband Eric some Ethan! His love for Disney world .Always matching his socks to his tie.He made autism awareness very clear and Td bank accepted it and showed blue lollipops for the month . Lexi, Stacey , Mohammed ,myself , Michelle , Jared , Danielle,Claudia, Stephanie, Tiana, Claudia we all became family at td bank because David .. Rest in Paradise sweet soul.
Julie Vadas
15 January 2021
Debi, Travis and Dani...I'm so so sorry. I'm so heartbroken for your loss. One of the best days of my life was the day you (Debi) started to work with me. I'm so thankful for our friendship and I need to thank you for sharing your beautiful family with me. I remember the very first time I met David and how much his smile melted my heart. From that point on he was always referred to as my second son. I'm here for you all and through your strength I too will heal. David touched so many lives and I'm honored to say he touched mine too. Please except my heartfelt sympathy.
Julie Vadas
Mark and Jane Gilmore
15 January 2021
To Travis,
Brenden shared with us the loss of your brother David. We are deeply sorry for your loss Travis, and would like you to know our thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Jo Crockett
15 January 2021
So sorry for the loss of David..there are not enough words to describe such an incredible man, I am so fortunate to have met him...he helped me so much through my difficult time...will certainly be missed❤️
Darlene Major
15 January 2021
To David's family, so sorry and saddened to hear of your loss, at such a young age. He certainly was loved and accomplished. His mom and I had our kids two months apart and I see he carried that sweet smile all the way from infancy. Thinking of you with prayers, Darlene and Bob
Pamela Stock
15 January 2021
I was privileged to work with David at the Rowe School in Norway for a number of years. David was an outstanding, caring teacher and a powerful role model for all of us. He knew who he was and shared who he was in his usual strong, positive way that made everyone feel valued and respected. David was truly a gift to this world. We need to honor his life by doubling down, embracing his awe inspiring attitude, and living our lives with kindness and compassion.
Jayne Miner
15 January 2021
Eric my sympathy to you and you beautiful children. My heart goes out to you.Please know if you need anything to just reach out. David will always be with you in your heart and spirit. Sending our love and hugs.
Patrick and Jayne Miner
Bunny O'Leary
15 January 2021
My memory of David..he wanted a bedroom by himself..so he took the upstairs closet and made it his room..he was smiling that beautiful smile of his and said " it's small,, but my bed fits.. it's my room". John and I have many fond memories with David and his family in West Paris..attending all the football games home and away..remember the night we had a huge Beach umbrella at the top of the grandstand on the 50 yard line..he thought it was cool we were all not getting soaked..many basketball and baseball games..lots of laughs..good times. Now we celebrate your life with special moments and fond memories..sending warm hugs to the family of David during this difficult time..may fun and fond memories help to comfort you..🏈🏀⚾️💖
Cody Wilson
14 January 2021
It’s very sad to hear David has crossed the bridge. He was my teacher at the Rowe school. I always looked forward to his classes. I hated school but he always seemed to have a way to make all his students really enjoy class. I used to run into him from time to time at the bank in Oxford and he always remembered who I was even years later. May he Rest In Peace and hopefully gain some of the magical powers from Disney on his way across the bridge. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Lori Drummond
14 January 2021
I met David though his loving husband Eric Davids caring way, bright smile, and laughter would greatly affect anyone he was around. He was a devoted father and husband who thought the world of his family. He will be greatly missed by so many people,
My sincere condolences go out to all his family at this difficult time
With love
Lori and Mark Drummond
Darlene rogers
14 January 2021
My fondest memories of David is when he stepped up to help me coach the boys 3 and 4th grade basketball team in West Paris in which I had no clue what I was doing ,he was so full of inspiration and inspired the whole basketball team. So glad I bumped into you this summer at camp. You are truly going to be missed by many fly high David