SEBAGO — John Burleigh Chase, 45, passed away peacefully on Oct. 7, 2014, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, after a heroic eight-month battle with lung cancer. A dedicated and loving circle of friends and family cared for and supported him through this journey.
He was born Feb. 26, 1969, in Providence, R.I., the son of Herman Burleigh Chase and Anne St. John McKee Chase, as John Burleigh, but known to all as “Burr.”
Burr graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1991 with a BA in History. He absorbed books and writings on anything and everything, and kept copious amounts of information on file in his nearly photographic memory. A big part of his love of history was its human element. He adored people and interacted with them without judgment. He was compassionate, supportive, and kind. When you spoke with him you had his full and undivided attention. Burr made you feel special.
Burr was an accomplished and skilled potter for 30 years. He and his wife cofounded Mud City Studios at their home in Sebago. Pottery was not only his passion, but another way to connect with people. He made his art with the idea that it should be accessible to all, something to use and cherish. As President of the Board for Gallery 302 in Bridgton, he was able to bring together his art and his joy of helping people. He truly poured his heart and soul into his work there.
Burr was employed at Decorum and Nostalgia Lighting since moving to Maine in 1995. He called himself a Lightsmith and worked with many people in the Portland community and beyond, designing lighting for their homes and businesses. His installations can be seen at Hugo’s, Vignola, Otto, and Stonewall Kitchen to name a few.
This creative man has left such a great legacy far beyond his short 45 years. We all feel lucky to have known him. The world will always be a brighter and happier place, filled with hope and love, because of him.
He is survived by his loving family, who will never forget him or the impact that he had on all of their lives; his wife, Pamela Clark; his mother, Anne Chase; his brother, Brian Chase, wife Rachel and son Alexander; and his three sisters, Elizabeth MacRae, her husband Duncan and their sons Colin and Andrew, Anne Louise ProudFire, and Catharine Chase.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Burr Chase Fund for Education in the Arts. The fund will have multiple applications including scholarships and visiting artist stipends. Donations may be mailed to Bridgton Art Guild, PO Box 451, Bridgton, ME 04009.