John Douglas "Doug" Mayer

John Douglas Mayer known by family and friends as Doug died unexpectedly, on December 14, 2025. He was 84 years old. Born on November 19,1941 in North Andover, MА. 

Doug fell in love with Ogunquit as a teenager when he visited with family friends. He moved permanently to Ogunquit in the 1960's after his honorable discharge from the Navy.

 He was an avid surfer and downhill skier. When Mt. Agamenticus was being developed for downhill skiing, Doug was on the team that cut the first trails. He then became the first Ski Patroller for the mountain. Until larger mountains called to him. 

During summers he worked at Poor Richard's Tavern as a valet and during winters he headed west to Vermont for ski season. He worked for many years on the ski patrol team at Sugarbush Resort. 

Doug attended University of Maine graduating in 1976 with a BA Magna Cum Laude. He then attended SMVTI now known as Southern Maine Community College graduating in1984 with an Associate in Applied Science, Marine Science Degree. He also attended continuing education at Maine Maritime Academy and was licensed by the US Coast Guard to US Merchant Marine Officer. He worked as a navigator for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute beginning in 1986.

 Doug travelled the world, by sea, as he navigated research vessels Atlantis II, Oceanus and Knorr for the scientists of Woods Hole. Always out to sea in the summers and fall so he could be home for ski season. 

After retirement he turned his energy to community service. He served on the Conservation Commission for the Town of Ogunquit and brought his expertise of climate change and environmental issues to the forefront, spearheading initiatives for monitoring run off pollution in the Ogunquit River watershed and beach erosion. He also served on the Zoning Board of Appeals in Ogunquit for many years. Working to serve the residents of Ogunquit to protect the unique town he loved so much from over development and to make sure code was enforced. 

He was a current and valued board member of Great Works Regional Land Trust representing Ogunquit. He was instrumental in preserving numerous parcels of land including The Richard Payeur Reserve and helping to carve out the trails so many now enjoy. 

Doug was a loving, kind, generous and soft spoken man who lived his life to the fullest. He had many friends all over the world and close to home. He was still connected to all the members of his Explorer Scout group from way back when he was a teenager. They still meet regularly for lunch with their Scout leader Bob Banks to this day. That's the kind of man he was. He is loved greatly and deeply missed. 

He is survived by his sister Lynda Kelleher and her partner Brian. His niece Victoria Connor and her husband Tim and their daughter, his great niece Keely Connor and his wife Khristine. 

There will be a celebration of his life at a later date. Donations in his name can be made to Great Works Regional Land Trust PO Box 151, South Berwick, ME. 03908

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