FRIENDSHIP — The Cleaves family is sad to relay the passing of their patriarch, George Cleaves, on Sept. 29, 2025.

George M. Cleaves Jr. was born in Winchester, Massachusetts on Sept. 2, 1934. At 4 years old he traveled across the country with his parents, camping and visiting national parks. Summers were spent in Jefferson where his parents and relatives owned camps at Lakeshore Park.

From a young age, George helped his father in the egg business, eventually driving between Maine and Massachusetts picking up and delivering eggs. Cleaves moved to Jefferson fulltime when his father purchased the “Week’s Place” in 1949. Young George worked beside his father building cabins, running the marina, helping create Damariscotta Lake Farm.

George attended both Medomak and Cony high schools. Never one to sit still, some days he would hitchhike to Massachusetts and back, preferring the great outdoors. For a time, he was an avid hunter, taking out hunters from the farm and spending some winter months in Newfoundland.

In the early ‘50s, George was driver and stagehand for an Austria Marionette Troupe, even playing Carnegie Hall. In 1955, George had just returned from deep sea fishing off Florida when he won the heart of Patricia Starrett, of Friendship. George Cleaves’ first mission in life was to love and take care of Patty Sea, his wife of 69 years, 364 days – which he did.

Always at home behind the wheel, George continued to drive trucks on the East Coast while raising his young family. He was one of R.C. Moore’s first drivers, later on to Dragon Cement. Other times he operated his own trucks.

In the early ‘70s George and Patty began building a home on Cranberry Island off Friendship. Beginning with a $100 shed and whatever materials they could get their hands on, skiff load by skiff load they created the sanctuary. Over the years it grew to be quite a place and their primary residence for decades.

George was naturally “salty” and began lobstering by himself or with Patty, on his boat the “Patty Sea.” He earned acceptance from the fishermen and became a respected member of the community, indispensible to many.

For years he was seen piloting the Patty Sea in and out of Friendship Harbor often pushing his barge, the Nellie II, on various tasks to surrounding islands. The barge loads varied from the routine – propane tanks, lumber, supplies, and party goers – to the extraordinary, including a pony, dump trucks of dirt, rocks, bricks, or manure, flowers, wedding parties, pyrotechnics, and fireworks.

He could get anything. He could also build anything. As recently as two weeks ago, he was still at it his workshop, the “Think Tank,” creating one-of-a-kind treasures. He was always working to improve his surroundings. Whatever he was doing was done at a nice, even pace that left him time to enjoy life, as well as help anyone needing a hand, or wanting to have a good time.

Each year a large group of friends from Jefferson were summoned for a barge party. George and Patty would meet them at the wharf with a fully decked out Nellie II, flags flying. A lobster feed on the island was followed with "pirate wars." Would be pirates boarded the barge to pillage and plunder. Soon they’d be challenging vessels at sea and attacking the brave souls who gathered on shore, launching water balloons, beads, firing water guns and cannons. George’s real cannons were used selectively.

Many will remember the Nellie II and the Patty Sea tied up with various floats as center stage and finish line for the Friendship Lobster Boat Races. For years Cleaves gave his full support to this event, doing all he could to see everyone have a good time. As well as carrying the officials and the Porta Potty, George also hosted a lobster feed and cookout for friends, family, and stragglers.

Another passion was Cleaves Racing at Wiscasset Speedway. After his son, Scott, built his own racecar, George was his biggest fan and supporter. Bringing the motorhome to the track, he turned it into a family event each weekend. Months that George and Patty were not on the island they boarded the motorhome and headed southwest, prospecting geodes, rock hunting, and exploring the desert of New Mexico and Arizona.

Everywhere they went, they made friends. Everyone loved George. He enjoyed offbeat characters as much as offbeat places. Everyone was welcome at George’s fire. He was a compelling storyteller with a deep sense of humor. You wouldn’t see it coming when he led you on a tale.

Twenty plus years ago, George and Patty moved back to the mainland. From a building that had been in Patty’s family, they created their home on Harbor Road. Life on the island was perfect for Patty and George. It is undeniable how at home George was in nature. He was most at home outdoors. It appears the community of Friendship weaved its magic and made a townie out of George Cleaves. He loved and appreciated you. Thank you all for the love and support.

George is survived by his wife, Patty; children, Brian, Kim, and Scott; grandchildren, Crystal and Amanda (Sean); great-grandchildren, Leia, Wyatt, Colton, and Coralyn.

George wished for no funeral. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

He met death like he met life: no regrets, unafraid, peaceful at home.

Arrangements are under the care of Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To share a condolence with the Cleaves family, visit hallfuneralhomes.com.