Peter Philip Ames

Peter Philip Ames, 65, of Cumberland passed away following a hard-fought battle with cancer. Throughout his illness, Peter faced every challenge with remarkable strength, positivity, and an unwavering sense of humor. He never lost his infectious laugh, his ability to make others smile, or his determination to find the light in even the hardest moments.

Born and raised in Portland, Peter graduated from Deering High School in the Class of 1979. He attended the University of Maine and for 45 years, Peter proudly worked for Ames Electric, spending many of those years working alongside his father, taking over the company in 2008. He was a man who could fix just about anything, and there was very little he couldn’t figure out with his hands, his mind, and a little determination.

Peter’s greatest accomplishments, however, had nothing to do with work. They were the people he loved.

For nearly 41 years, Peter was the devoted husband and best friend of the love of his life, Alice. He adored her and made a lifelong habit of taking care of her in every possible way. He spoiled her rotten. His love for her was evident in the little things: the daily acts of kindness, the laughter they shared, and the unwavering devotion he showed her throughout their life together.

As a father, Peter was fun, playful, hands-on, and completely adoring. He loved coaching his children’s sports, cheering them on, and simply being involved in their lives. He was the kind of dad who showed up, got involved, and made everything more fun.

And then came Lucy, his beloved granddaughter and the light of his life. Lucy brought Peter an extraordinary amount of joy, especially during his final days. Watching him play with her, love on her, and soak up every moment with her was a gift to everyone around him. She brought out an especially tender and joyful side of him, and their bond will live on in the memories of everyone who witnessed it.

Sebago Lake was his favorite place in the world. His love for the lake began when he was just three years old, spending summers there with his parents and his siblings. After staying on Frye Island for several years, his dad purchased the family camp when he was six years old, beginning a tradition that would become one of the most important parts of his life.

For him, “upta camp” was always more than a place—it was home. It was where some of his happiest memories were made, and where he went on to create countless more with his own family and the people he loved. He did everything in his power to keep the lake house in the family so that his children, grandchildren, and generations to come could experience the same place that had brought him so much happiness throughout his life.

The family still has their camp on Sebago Lake today because of him. It is one of the greatest gifts he leaves behind—a place filled with his memories, his love, and a piece of him that will always remain there.

Peter loved the simple pleasures of life. He could often be found taking long walks through the woods with his dogs, snowmobiling, watching baseball, and cheering on the Patriots and the Red Sox, coaching, or simply playing with Lucy and the dogs. He loved taking care of the people around him and had a way of making those he loved feel special, looked after, and spoiled.

Peter also had a personality that was impossible to miss. He lit up every room he entered, even hospital rooms. More than one of his doctors commented that they felt they were talking with a standup comedian, rather than treating a cancer patient. His big, bodacious laugh had a way of making everyone around him feel like they were the funniest person in the room. He never took himself—or life—too seriously. Two of his favorite sayings perfectly captured his outlook: “Don’t take life too seriously, nobody is getting out alive,” and, whenever the opportunity presented itself, “I’m an enigma!”

Peter is survived by his beloved wife, Alice O’Malley Ames; his daughter, Brittany Allen, her husband, Shane and their daughter Lucy; his son, Matthew Ames, his wife, Ashley and their expected daughter; and his beloved dog, Pudge. He is also survived by his parents, Alan Ames, Sr. and Donna Ames; his brother, Alan Ames, Jr. and his wife, Ann; his sister, Laurel Webber and her husband, Gary; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, extended family members, and countless dear friends.

Peter will be remembered for his enormous heart, his generosity, his humor, his willingness to help anyone who needed him, and, above all, the love he poured into his family. He had a gift for making people feel cared for, a talent for making people laugh, and a presence that could fill an entire room.

His absence will be felt deeply, but so will the love and laughter he leaves behind, and if Peter had anything to say about it, we’d probably all be laughing at his funeral anyway.

After all, “Don’t take life too seriously. Nobody is getting out alive.”

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Maine Medical Center, and at Gosnell House for their compassionate care and support for Peter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maine Children’s Cancer.

Friends and family are invited to a Time of Visitation on Monday October 5 from 4 PM – 7 PM at Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street in Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday October 6 at 11 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 492 Ocean Avenue in Portland. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.