Shawn Betterley

Shawn William Betterley

Bangor

After courageously battling several serious illnesses, Shawn William Betterley, 70, passed away peacefully at home, January 29, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. He was born August 30, 1954 in Bangor, the son of George Betterley Jr. and Jo-anne L. (Gagnon) Betterley Hogan.

Shawn graduated from Bangor High School, Class of 1972. He married his high school sweetheart, Robin (Colby) Betterley at the end of that same year. They celebrated 52 years in December.

Shawn loved to play the guitar in his younger days and was part of several bands including Belladonna, Nickel Plate Road, and Willie and the Wetbacks. He was always artistically inclined and became an avid miniaturist alongside his wife Robin. They opened their first store in 1973 on Fore Street in Old Port, then moved to NH in 1979 and opened their first miniature shop. They continued creating miniatures together and attended many shows and conventions, as well as opening an online store. Shawn was an innovator and wonderful artisan and he became a huge part of the miniaturist community. He was on the Board of Directors for N.A.M.E. (National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts) receiving multiple awards including the Academy of Honor, Benefactors Award, and the Mel Prescott award, the highest award given to a NAME member.

Surviving, in addition to his loving wife, Robin, are two daughters Taryn Reece and her husband Scott of Charleston, and Rachel Peterson and her husband Stan of Old Town. He is also survived by his brother Todd Betterley of NYC, his sister Lucretia Bagley and her husband Bill of Portland, and his sister Alice Michaud and her husband Anthony of Veazie. There are also his grandchildren, Emma Jean Betterley-Dow Burditt and husband Gabriel of Old Town, Robert Oscar Demmons of Old Town and Joyce Anna Reece of Charleston. In addition he is survived by two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Shawn was predeceased by his father and mother, but is survived by his step-father Charles Hogan of Bangor.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend his service at 10am on Friday February 7 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St, Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments from 11am -1pm at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St, Bangor, following the service. Those who wish to remember Shawn in a special way may give donations in his memory to N.A.M.E. (National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts) via their website miniatures.org. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.