Gregory Pierce "Greg" Bolster, 57, of Walpole and Pemaquid, died peacefully at his home on the evening of April 15, after a six-year illness with esophageal cancer. He fought his illness as he lived his life, with determination, courage, intelligence, kindness, dignity and humor.

Born to Dr. Arthur S. Bolster “Stan” and Elizabeth W. Bolster “Betty” on April 24, 1956 in Grosse Pointe, Mich., Greg grew up in Lexington, Mass., and summered in Epping, N.H., and later in East Boothbay, where his parents purchased a summer cottage. Greg graduated from Lexington High School in 1974 and received a bachelor’s degree from Saint Lawrence University in 1978.

Upon college graduation, Greg began working in various restaurants in Maine and Colorado. He had many stories of tending bar in Boothbay Harbor. It was a symbiotic relationship, which was a natural fit for his entertaining and outgoing personality and humor. In his twenties, Greg started working as a carpenter in the Boothbay area. In 1990 he established Bolster Builders, and continued to build custom, single family homes in the Midcoast area. With the support of loyal clients/friends, his houses are continuing to be built.

On September 1, 1991, Greg married his best friend and soul mate, Leslie A. Cheney. Together they built his business and started a family that would include twins, Chad Cheney and Katherine Elizabeth “Kari," born in 1993, followed by Matthew Pierce in 1996. He was a devoted husband and loving and involved father. Greg was proud of being a great provider for his family.

Greg had an insatiable appetite for life, was a born storyteller and could always deliver a joke on the spot. He traveled whenever the chance arose with Leslie and the children and was fortunate to visit many special places. Greg enjoyed hunting with Chad, Matthew and close friends. He was always up to a trivia competition with his daughter, Sis, as he affectionately referred to her.

Any spare moment he found, you could find him building a stone wall or working diligently in his various gardens. He enjoyed music and had an uncanny ability to remember lyrics and information about the various musicians he enjoyed. He loved to sit on the dock with the warm sun and a good book. Cooking also became a hobby he truly enjoyed. Whatever Greg did, he did it with all his heart. He built four homes for his family over the years and was most happy at his summer cottage in Pemaquid looking across Johns Bay.

Greg volunteered at the CLC YMCA coaching soccer when the kids were younger and continued to volunteer and help in many of their activities as they grew up, such as being a Little League coach, Cub Scout leader, and Bristol Booster. He was a past member of the Boothbay Region Lions Club as well.

Greg is survived by his wife and children of Walpole; parents of Pemaquid and Lake Worth, Fla.; brother, Dr. Stephen C. Bolster and wife, Sandra S. Bolster of Berea, Ken.; nephews, Evan Bolster of Lexington, Ken. and Todd Bolster and wife Emilie and daughter Haylee of Carmel, Ind.; in-laws, Raymond D. Cheney “Dan” and Sandra S. Cheney of Pemaquid; brother-in-law, Mark P. Cheney and wife Cindy of Pemaquid and children, Brooke and Tyler, both of Pemaquid; and sister-in-law, Susan L. Cheney of Pemaquid. He is also survived by an aunt and uncle and many cousins.

Cremation arrangements are being handled by Direct Cremations of Maine.

A graveside service will be held at the Harrington Meeting House in Pemaquid on April 26 at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow at The Contented Sole, located at Colonial Pemaquid.

Condolences and messages for the family may be conveyed by emailing Leslie at bolster@tidewater.net.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bristol Area Library P. O. Box 173 New Harbor, ME 04554.