NEWPORT — Peter Friend, 84, passed away Aug. 26, 2010 at his residence.

He was born Nov. 24, 1925 in Newport, a son of Norris and Isabel (Cooper) Friend. He graduated from New Hampton (N.H.) Academy, class of 1943 and graduated from Nichols College in Dudley, Mass.

He served in the United States Army Air Corps as a nose gunner on a B-24 during World War II. After serving his country and graduating college, Peter, joined the family business. In 1948, he married the former Beverly Perkins and together raised their family in Newport. They were married for 58 years until her death in 2006.

Peter was a very active member of the Anah Shrine where he served as Potentate in 1985. He will be remembered as an avid motorcyclist and skier. He started skiing Sugarloaf in the 1950’s. In 1961, he built a camp there that fueled a family passion for the area and skiing for generations to come.

In 1964, he founded the motorcycle division of Friend and Friend Inc., where he worked until the time of his death.

He is survived by a son, Cooper and wife, Meredith, Friend of Ellsworth; a daughter, Anne and husband, Bill Pidgeon of Milbridge; a brother Gilman and Wife, Donna, Friend of Newport; three grandchildren, Christopher and wife, Terri, Hardiman, Megan and husband Kyle Hildebrand, and Cooper P. Friend; and three great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, at the High Street Congregational Church, Newport, with Pastor Al H. Worden officiating.

Burial will be in the family lot, Riverside Cemetery, Newport.

Memorial donations may be made to the Down East Family YMCA, P. O. Box 25,

Ellsworth, Maine 04605. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

Those who wish may leave written tributes and condolences at www.CrosbyNeal.com.