Peter Theodore Crie Bramhall

Born, February 28, 1934 at Saint Barnabus Hospital in Portland, Maine, Peter was the son of the late Theodore C. Bramhall MD and Elinor S. Bramhall.

He attended Deering High School and graduated from Govenors Academy in South Byfield, MA in 1952. A Cum Laude graduate of Bowdoin College, Peter was elected Reunion Chair by his Class of 1956. He organized every class reunion since his graduation. Deeply involved with his Bowdoin Class Reunions, he faithfully returned to campus every year (with but one exception) at Reunion time and in 2013 was the proud recipient of the prestigious Polar Bear Award.

Whereas his father was a Medical Doctor, Peter elected to become a “Financial Doctor”, joining the investment firm of Hornblower and Weeks upon graduation from Bowdoin. At that time, the Dow Jones average was around “500” and daily volume was 4.5 million shares. He soon became manager of his branch office and later Vice-President. He enjoyed catering to his loyal clientele over the 49year span of his career. Peter often was quoted as saying, “I went to my office every day, but it was never work!” Family, his many friends and co-workers knew him for his quick wit and sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh.

Retiring in 2004, Peter had the freedom to pursue his many interests which included, Colonial and Maritime Maine History, cruising the Coast of Maine and beyond with family and friends aboard “Blue Chip,” travel, watching his grandchildren grow up and most recently, following in his mother’s footsteps, having taken-up painting as a Pastel artist.

Peter was proud of his colonial heritage, as a Mayflower descendant and his family connection to George Bramhall, an early, 1680 western Promenade settler of Portland. He loved history and had a keen interest in anything to do with WWII, which was supported by his wealth of knowledge and extensive library.

His community service included involvements on numerous United Way committees; Advisory Board, Past Chairman and Emeritus status of the Salvation Army; Trustee of Westbrook College; Portland Harbor Museum and former Board Member of Tate House. He has been a lifelong member of the Portland Yacht Club, where he put his “Pisces” characteristics to full use over a 50-year span, enjoying, with friends and family, the wonders of the coast of Maine.

Peter is survived by his loving wife, Hope, of 57 years; four daughters, Faith B. Rodenkirk, Elizabeth B. Twombly, Alison P. Bramhall and Sarah B. Reynolds.; sons-in-law, Donald Rodenkirk, Dana Twombly and Joshua Reynolds; six grandchildren; Adrianna and Hannah Twombly, Alexander and Lindsey Rodenkirk, and Owen and Elliott Reynolds, and a sister Priscilla B. Hodges.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend.

The family wishes to extend deepest gratitude to Diane LaRochelle and the caring staff of Southern Maine Hospice.

Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Monday March 17, 2014 from 4 – 7 PM at Jones Rich & Hutchins & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St, Portland. A memorial service, celebrating Peter’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 10:30 AM at Woodfords Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 202 Woodford St, Portland. Interment will be private. For further information and to leave a tribute in memory of Peter please visit www.jonesrichhutchins.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Bramhall Family Scholarship Fund, Maine Medical Center Development Department, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, Maine 04102 or; The Salvation Army, Attn: Terri Stinson, 297 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, Maine 04101.