Obituary

Arthur D. Webster

Thu, 09/20/2018 - 12:00pm

Arthur D. Webster, proud son of Boothbay Harbor, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sept. 9, 2018 at Maine Medical Center due to complications from a heart condition and in the company of family.  He will be greatly missed.

Arthur was born May 17, 1946 at St. Andrews Hospital in Boothbay Harbor to Wollcott Webster and Mildred Delano Webster. He grew up ramming around what is now the Boothbay Region Greenhouses with his brother John, and sisters June and Susan.  As a child Arthur was given a banjo and a lesson book and he quickly realized he could reproduce the rock music his older siblings listened to by ear with his first onstage performance coming in 1959 during a teen record hop at The Opera House. Thus a rock & roller was born.  Arthur graduated from Boothbay Region High School in 1964 and University of Maine at Orono (GO BLACK BEARS!!) in 1968 majoring in English and rock & roll, he chose rock & roll.

Over his 50 year career as a musician Arthur mastered guitar, bass and harmonica, playing in numerous bands including  "Fate," "The Terrible Weeman Brothers," "Devonsquare," "The Pumps," "Daniel & Webster," "The Shags," "Prizm," and "The Holy Mackerals."  Arthur was also a prolific solo player, writing and performing his own music, which remained a passion of his until his dying day. If asked if it was hard being a professional musician he would smile, shake his massive head and tell you, "It's called playing music for a reason." Arthur loved nothing more than to perform with other talented musicians so a very special thank you to everyone he shared a stage or sang a song with.

Arthur was proudly active in the Boothbay region, be it volunteering on Election Day (don't forget to vote,) donating time to his beloved Opera House, coaching, substitute teaching, cheering the Seahawks,
hosting the annual International Rock Skipping Contest, or just being kind and generous to his friends and neighbors.  Arthur strongly believed in and enjoyed the strength and support that comes with a
close knit community. Arthur could often be found in or around Orne’s Candy Store, which he co-owned with his brother John Webster and sister-in-law Jean Webster, which has been a great source of joy for anyone who has a sweet tooth. When visitors to the region asked him where he was from originally, Arthur would reply, "Don't you move a gosh darn inch!!"

Arthur was predeceased by his wife of 38 years Faith Foster and leaves behind siblings; John and Jean Webster, June and Robert Rose, Susan and Stewart Kestenbaum, sons; Areth Foster-Webster and Noell Twig, Adam Foster-Webster and Anna Bacon; and grandsons Theodore Webster and Harrison Webster.  Arthur loved to travel and also leaves an incredibly loving and supportive network of friends and family spread all over the world who we are sure all have warm and happy memories of this wonderful man.

A rock remembrance will be held at the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor on Saturday, Oct. 20 between 1 and 4 in the afternoon so bring an open heart and a song to sing or a story to tell.  Anyone wishing to perform is encouraged to contact Areth Foster-Webster for scheduling at hey.areth@gmail.com or 6174616178. Dress code is Boothbay Beautiful or your best Hawaiian shirt for Arthur's Aloha.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Opera House or the Boothbay Region Food Pantry.