SWEDEN — Donald N. Dutil Jr., 68, of Sweden and formerly of Kezar Falls, died on April 15, 2014, at the Maine Medical Center in Portland after a long illness.

Don was born in Waterville on April 28, 1945, to Donald and Jeanette (Paradis) Dutil. He attended local schools and, while at Winslow High School, played football and learned how to play the trumpet. During the summer months, he would work at Scott Paper Co. and also go to his family's camp in Belgrade, where he enjoyed waterskiing with his friends and relatives. Developing a keen interest in music in high school, he would later attend the Northern Conservatory of Music in Bangor, earning his Bachelors Degree.

In 1968 he became the music teacher in SAD #55 at the newly-built Sacopee Valley Jr.–Sr. High School. Over the next 25 years, Don would develop a music program that would create topnotch Christmas and spring high school band concert performances. His dedication to helping students excel in music created a marching band throughout the late 1970s and 1980s that won several championship trophies while performing at venues such as the Maine State Parade and the Fryeburg Fair Parade. Don was well-known for playing "Taps" and "Amazing Grace" on his trumpet, especially when he and his band would take part in Memorial Day ceremonies in the Sacopee Valley area. He also taught driver's education, and occasionally monitored detention hall in which the students actually enjoyed themselves!

After his retirement from SAD #55 in the mid 1990s, Don continued to direct the Fanfare Community Band for over 20 years, performing for many nursing and retirement homes, local VFW organizations, and benefit concerts for families in need, as well as performing to returning crowds of visitors every Thursday night at Poland Spring Inn and Resort. His quick wit and sense of humor kept the audience on its toes and led to the popularity of Fanfare’s performances. One of his proudest moments was playing “Taps” at the top of Edinbourough Castle in Scotland while on a trip with the Fanfare Band. The call to be around students was still so great that he spent the better part of three years as a substitute teacher in SAD #61. He also enjoyed making things with his hands at his own woodworking shop in Lovell called, "Don's Hobby Shoppe." He will be sadly missed by all those who loved him, and countless students to whom he dedicated his entire working life.

Surviving are his wife, Linda Dutil of Sweden; his daughter, Stephanie Glatzer and husband Russell of South Hiram; his son, Jeffrey Dutil and wife Lesley of Kezar Falls (Porter); a stepdaughter, Laura Gerry and husband Chris of Kezar Falls; a stepson, Jacob Stetser of Denver, Colo.; six grandchildren: Caleb Glatzer, Emma Glatzer, Sydnie Glatzer, Brandon Capano, Hailey Capano, and Dylan Capano. Also surviving are six cousins.

The Dutil family would like to thank the staff at Maine Medical Center, Casco Bay Dialysis, United Ambulance, Mercy Wound Care Center, New England Rehabilitation Center, MAS caregivers, Eyecare Medical Group, and his personal physicians for providing excellent care to Don over the past several years.

Visiting hours were Wednesday, April 23, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Watson, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., Cornish. Online condolences may be expressed at: www.wnyfuneralhome.com

In addition to the listed visiting hours, another "celebration of his life" will be held and announced at a later date.