William Michael "Mike" Hewes

SEDGWICK, MAINE- Michael Hewes, 76, passed away unexpectedly at home of health complications on July 8th, 2025. He was born on January 8th, 1949, in Washington, D.C., the son of Doris and Charles Hewes.

Michael lived in the Blue Hill area for over 50 years. He founded Hewes & Company, a home and cabinet-making business, in 1975, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Over the years, he built many beautiful homes along the Maine coast, some of which appeared in publications like Maine Home + Design, Down East, and Builder/Architect. He also used his skilled craftsmanship to support local causes and organizations, including Habitat for Humanity.

Michael was also deeply involved in his local community. He coached Little League, served on the boards of the Grand Auditorium and the Bagaduce Music Lending Library, and was very active in his various faith communities, most recently St. Brendan the Navigator on Deer Isle.

Michael loved to sing. He sang in church choirs, in productions of Gilbert and Sullivan, and with the New Surry Theater. And he was a long-time member of the Bagaduce Chorale, singing with that organization for 48 years.

Michael also loved to sail and be on the water. He was always looking for volunteers to join him on his boat, Lilly. He was in his element when he turned off the motor and wind filled the sails.

In his later years, Michael spent a good deal of time at the home he built on the Bagaduce River. He loved driving his tractor, looking out at the river, working in the woods, and feeling the peace of the natural surroundings. He was also a loving grandfather and father, attending numerous baseball games and concerts, playing endless rounds of backgammon, and offering his valuable expertise on any and all building-related projects. If anyone in the family needed something built or designed, or wanted an opinion, he was the person to ask.

He was married to his beloved wife, Elaine for 47 years and was the proud father of Emily Hewes (Josue Jaime Hernandez), Sarah Hewes Fanslau (Christian Fanslau), and Will Hewes. He was also the treasured grandfather and morfar of four grandsons: Dylan Jaime Hewes, Gabriel Jaime Hewes, August Fanslau, and Alfred Fanslau. He was predeceased by his brother, Chase Hewes and is survived by his brothers, Tom Hewes and Joe Hewes.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Blue Hill Congregational Church at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 20th. In lieu of flowers, gifts in honor of Michael may be given to Bagaduce Music, 49 South Street, Blue Hill, ME 04614, Bagaduce Chorale, P.O. Box 516, Blue Hill, ME 04614, or Hancock County Habitat for Humanity, 21 School House Road, Orland, ME 04472. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.