NORTH SACO- Frederick J. Lynch, one of the most respected and admired artists in Maine, passed away on Sunday, July 3, at the age of 80. In a career spanning more than 50 years, Lynch pursued a singular vision that began with the observed world and went deep into the underlying structure of appearances.
Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, in 1935, Lynch served two years in West Germany with the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 before enrolling at Massachusetts College of Art where he earned his BFA in 1962. He subsequently earned a Masters of Education at Westfield State University in Massachusetts where he taught from 1964 to 1972.
Lynch first came to Maine in 1972 to study boatbuilding in downeast Lubec where he lived and worked until 1976. For the past 40 years, he lived in Portland, Springvale, Westport Island and Saco, exhibiting regularly in Maine and Massachusetts while teaching drawing, painting and design at the University of Southern Maine from 1980 until a few years ago.
Fred Lynch is survived by his wife Janice Lynch and stepdaughter Alyssa Bouthot of Saco, his brother Robert and his wife Fausta of West Dennis, Cape Cod and his sister Beverly and her husband Paul Regan of South Woodstock, Vermont.
At the artist’s request there will be no formal memorial service, but the family is planning a celebration of Lynch’s life and art later this year.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton. Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Frederick J. Lynch to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.jimmyfund.org/gift