ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — Don Erik Gjertsen, an artist, avid golfer and former resident of South Thomaston, Maine, died on May 1 at the age of 83.

Born October 7, 1942, Don grew up in New York City. He dreamed of being an artist, attended art school and had a successful career in the field, publishing comics in major magazines before going on to work as an commercial designer, photographer and executive at the Newsday newspaper on Long Island.

It was at that job that Don met his wife, Judith, in 1969. The couple honeymooned in Maine and fell in love with the state’s natural beauty.

They settled down back on Long Island, where they lived for many decades and raised a family.

But the call of the Pine Tree state was strong and in retirement, they moved up to the Midcoast, in a house overlooking the Saint George River that became a gathering place for their family and friends. He loved exploring his new home, kayaking off Port Clyde and traveling with family to Acadia National Park and the Moosehead Lake area.

The couple both enjoyed their art in retirement and were active in Nativity Lutheran Church, while Don also played regularly for many years at Rockland Golf Club.

After about 16 years in Maine, Don moved to Alexandria, Virginia, in 2021 to be closer to family.

He leaves behind three adult children, Kenneth, Lee and Dina, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His wife Judy predeceased him, as did his sons Thomas and Michael.

Gjertsen will be buried in Village Cemetery on Saturday, July 18.