OXFORD — Eric J. MacDonald of Oxford, Maine passed away on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018.

Eric was born in Biddeford, Maine, and raised in Saco by his parents Todd and Joi MacDonald. Growing up, Eric loved being outside. Whether it was playing sports with his family and friends or going hunting with his dad, Eric was only inside to eat and sleep. Throughout his entire life, Eric loved hunting, mainly deer hunting, and always made time in his busy schedule to go.

During middle school and high school, Eric developed a passion for music. Eric played the trombone, and he played it amazingly well; many people think of him as one of the best trombone players they have ever heard. He was a very proud member of the gold award winning Old Orchard Beach High School Marching Band.

After graduating from Thornton Academy with high honors, Eric attended Southern Maine Community College, where he earned his degree in Culinary Arts. Eric worked in many kitchens after graduating, including The Landmark Restaurant and The Good Thyme Café, where he gained incredible real-life experience and knowledge. Eric was also a master cake creator. Eric made magnificent cakes for his family and friends for any occasion (weddings, birthdays, for the heck of it), and he was one of the few people who could make a good-looking cake taste delicious too. The man had a true love for cooking.

Eric’s biggest accomplishment was when he helped create a successful restaurant with his family, The Lost Gull Fish N’ Chips in Oxford, Maine. Eric moved his whole life to Oxford, and he helped build the restaurant as it is today from the ground up. Eric always referred to The Lost Gull as “our baby.” and he dedicated his life to it. His recipes are loved by thousands from all over the world, and they will continue to be enjoyed forever.

Eric was dedicated to many community projects, and a huge contributor to OOB365, a program his aunt and other family members in the Old Orchard Beach area developed to keep Old Orchard Beach thriving every day of the year. Eric’s selfless attitude, passion for his crafts, his “all in” effort with anything he was a part of, and his willingness to help others, has a lasting effect on those he knew, and is admired by all who had the privilege to know him. Above all, Eric loved his family dearly, and he was always dedicated to keeping those in his life happy. His cheek to cheek smile, genuine sense of humor, and loving personality will be sorely missed.

Eric is survived by his parents, Todd MacDonald and Joi MacDonald of Oxford, his brother Christopher MacDonald and wife Amanda Martemucci-MacDonald of Windham, his sister Cheryl MacDonald and fiancé Seth Emmons of Oxford, grandparents Arthur and Leata MacDonald of Old Orchard Beach, many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends that became family to him over the years. Eric is preceded by his grandparents Avangeline Wade and Lance Wade, Sr.

Eric loved dogs and had at least two for as long as he could remember growing up. When Eric moved out on his own, he rescued a dog he named Loki from being sent to a shelter and loved him instantly. Loki was Eric’s best friend; a companionship Eric held so dear and cherished every day. Eric loved that dog so much, and in his honor, there is no other charity that seems more fitting.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com

Eric’s service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18 at Oxford Hills Funeral Services, 1037 Main Street, Oxford. Visiting hours will be 2 to 5 p.m. followed by a ceremony beginning at 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Responsible Pet Care, PO Box 82, Norway, ME 04268. A local no-kill, non-profit animal shelter in South Paris, Maine.

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