Politicized by the 1984 murder of Charlie Howard, a young gay man, in Bangor, Maine, Dan became a pioneer in the fight for gay and lesbian rights. He was deeply involved in the early days of the Maine Lesbian Gay Political Alliance. At a time when it was dangerous for gays and lesbians to be 'out'—especially for gay men—Dan stepped up to be president of the organization. He also testified before the Maine Legislature in the 1980s and ’90s alongside activists such as Dale McCormick and Jenny Wriggins, in favor of bills to criminalize hate crimes and in support of gay rights.

During the AIDS Crisis of the 1980s, Dan made it a personal mission to help those in need. Applying his knowledge of government gained from working for the Maine legislature and the Maine Education Association, he helped many people with AIDS secure legal, medical, housing, financial, and food assistance.

A fount of knowledge about the British and Continental aristocracy, Dan was also a passionate Francophile. Some of his most cherished memories were of his transatlantic crossing to France and of the months he spent living in Caen during his junior year at Nasson College. He often spoke fondly of Normandy and planned to return, a wish that will go sadly unfulfilled.

Dan had a great love of history and served in various capacities over the years at the Kennebec Historical Society, Old Fort Western Museum, and the Augusta Historic Preservation Commission. An expert in the decorative arts with particular expertise in American furniture, he worked for twelve seasons as a docent for Historic New England, guiding visitors through Wiscasset’s Nickels-Sortwell House. He will also be remembered for the Halloween cemetery tours he gave around Augusta focused on eminent historical ghosts."

Read Dan Stevens’ obituary here.

Marjorie Love’s death marked the loss of an intelligent and caring woman. She gave wholeheartedly and compassionately to the Maine LGBTQ+ community, she fearlessly supported the HIV community, and she steered many non-profit organizations to serve the greater good in this state. Her contributions here in Maine were many, and her talents just as numerous.

Read Marjorie Love’s obituary here.

Read. Janet O’Day’s obituary here.

Read Chuck Sawyer’s obituary here.