CAPE ELIZABETH - Stephen Philip Crichton, age 79, passed away on September 3, 2024, at home in Cape Elizabeth. In the last weeks, he was encircled by those who loved him, including his extensive family, attentive neighbors, and long-time friends who visited from far away.

Born in Presque Isle to Philip and Angela Crichton, and raised in Mars Hill, Steve graduated from Aroostook Central Institute in 1963. He attended the University of Maine, where he earned a BS in Business and a Fifth-Year Certificate in Pulp and Paper in 1968.

Steve married Norma Burkitt in 1969, and they had five children. He began his professional career at Buckman Laboratories, and in 1972 he followed his passion for real estate and started his own business, Unlimited Property Service, in Bangor. His major developments included a new neighborhood in Orono and his dearest accomplishment, Evergreen Woods office park in Bangor, known for its visionary preservation of the natural setting and its innovative business amenities.

A proud and active member of his community, Steve served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He attended School Board meetings, and he was on the board for Appleton House, a member of City Club and Tarratine Club, and an executor for Bangor Savings Bank.

Family and friends were of great importance to Steve. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, supporting their many activities in swimming, soccer, art, football, dance, music, skiing, and hockey. Spending time up to camp, skiing on a Maine mountain, long drives to investigate a parcel of land, and enjoying the beach are fond memories.

Steve is dearly loved by his five children and their families: daughter Kristine, son-in-law Nicholas Eremita, and their children Isabella, Kristianna, and Nicholas of Cape Elizabeth; daughter Kimberly Crichton of Lovell; son Scot Crichton and daughter-in-law Rebecca Ingalls and their children Imogen and Charlie of Portsmouth, NH; son Jon David Crichton, daughter-in-law Stacy and their children Oscar and Hollis of North Conway, NH; and son Mark Crichton of Bangor. He also leaves behind his brother Peter Crichton and sister-in-law Jennifer of North Windham; his sister, Angela Ellen Delong and brother-in-law Kris of Bridgewater; brothers-in-law Eli Karter and Alan Hitchcock; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters Anne Karter, Mary Crichton, and Clare Hitchcock, and infant nephew, Gregory Hitchcock.

Steve's love of a sweet treat and his curiosity about how the world works were integral to his outlook on life. He seemed happiest in conversation, telling a "Can you believe?" story or sharing a bit of wisdom from the County. He was generous, obsessively optimistic, and relentlessly decent. He was well loved, and he will be deeply missed.

The family will host a celebration of life in Maine this Fall. Details to be announced.