Obituary: John P. McCatherin

John P. McCatherin

CARRABASSETT VALLEY – John P. McCatherin, journalist, outdoorsman and a Sugarloafer since 1953, died July 20, 2026 surrounded his son and daughter and his longtime partner, Barbara, at his home on the banks of the Carrabassett River.

McCatherin, 86, was born in Lewiston, Nov. 4, 1939, the son of D. Stewart and Emma Mary Gaudin McCatherin.

In 1945, his family moved to Augusta where he attended local schools, graduating from Cony High School in 1958. John then went on to attend Boston University Journalism School and pursued a lifelong career in journalism and public relations which had started when he was an 11 year-old paperboy. His career spanned over 30 years and took him all over Maine and New England. He has earned numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to economic development, journalism and public relations.

John was introduced to skiing at an early age and became a Sugarloafer in 1953. In 1995, he moved to Carrabassett Valley full time and immediately became entrenched in the community and took great pleasure in being one of the ‘Locals.’ Since childhood, John had a passion for the outdoors. Skiing, sailing and hiking were his main passions that he pursued his entire life including his last skiing adventure with his great-granddaughter, Laney, just six months before his passing. John was instrumental in the creation of the Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Association (CVOA) which has had a significant impact on recreational activities in the area. His relationship with that organization took him on numerous canoe and camping trips all over Maine and skiing trips all over the world.

Another passion was John’s love of Baxter State Park. With family and friends, he summited Mt. Katahdin on an almost annual basis including one trip in 1976 where he spent a night on the Knife Edge after reviving his son Scott with CPR after a lightning strike.

Immediate or extended, John loved his family and would never miss an opportunity to visit or attend a gathering. He held a special relationship with his children and his brother and sisters and their children. In his later years, he took great pleasure in doting on his great-grandchildren Laney and Sam. He was known to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren simply as “Tick.”

John’s most special relationship was with Barbara Kovach, an old family friend with whom he reconnected in 2001. The two of them were inseparable and shared many special adventures together. “Barb” provided amazing support and comfort and was at his side when he departed on his last adventure.

John McCatherin is survived by his beloved Barbara and the extended Kovach family; his sister Keltie Collins; his children, Leslie and Scott McCatherin; grandchildren Cassie and Tom Yale and Simonne Hoskins; great-grandchildren Laney Burns and Sam Lavoie Yale.

John was predeceased by sisters Barbara Jean McDonald and Carol Martin and brother, Charles McCatherin.

John and his family extend their gratitude to the compassionate and professional staff of the MaineHealth Chemotherapy Department in Farmington. The family also extends their gratitude and admiration to the Andwell Hospice Group. The staff at Andwell provided an unparalleled level of care, comfort and support at a most difficult time. John’s wish to take his last breath at his home on the banks of the Carrabassett River was fulfilled thanks to those amazing people.

Services will be held at a later date in Carrabassett Valley.

Please join John’s family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. at: The Rack, 5016 Sugarloaf Access Rd., Carrabassett Valley. Family and friends are encouraged to visit John’s Book of Memories to leave words of comfort, share stories and photos or reflections at http://www.wilesrc.com . Honored to be caring for John P. McCatherin is Wiles Remembrance Center-Farmington.

Gifts in his memory made by made to the

Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Association

Valley Crossing #6

Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947

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