Obituary of John E. Casner

PORTLAND – John E. Casner, 50, of Searsmont, Maine passed away at his home on March 10, 2010. John was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 21, 1960 and grew up in the Boston suburb of Belmont. He was graduated from the Kents Hill School in Kents Hill, Maine and attended the California College of Arts and Crafts, Oakland, California. An award winning jeweler, jewelry designer and sculptor of fine metals, John was awarded a First Prize in the Saul Bell Design Award competition for his silver earring design in 2008 and his metal sculpture of a Hanukkah Menorah was awarded Distinguished Merit by the Temple Judea Museum – Judith Altman Memorial Judaica Competition in 2002. The Menorah was so beautiful that it was purchased by the Museum where it was put on display. His jewelry making and metal sculpture technique involved the use of kick presses for what is known as anticlastic raising to shape metal in unique ways and he often incorporated fine wood working into the pieces to create his jewelry and sculpture work. A highly accomplished skier and sailor and an avid bicycle rider, John lived in Maine for more than 25 years enjoying the outdoor life that is Maine. Many at Sugarloaf may remember him as the beautiful skier who could ski down any trail of any difficulty with perfect (if not a little old fashioned) short turns that maintained absolute control even on the most challenging snow and terrain. John’s 28 foot Bristol sailboat, Valiant, plied the waters off of Camden, Maine for many years with his sunset sails and lobster cookouts being an experience enjoyed by all who had the privilege of sailing with him. Bike riding with John was a challenge for those who were in less good shape, but he was always happy to have friends join him. John is survived by his mother and step father, Nancy Casner Babcock and Dr. Edward Babcock of Portland, Maine; his sister, Andrea Stephens of Portland, Maine; his older brother and sister-in-law, James and Elizabeth Casner and his nephew A.J. of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; and his younger brother and sister-in-law, David and Julie Casner and his nephew and niece, Noah and Samantha of Saratoga Springs, New York. John’s half brother Andrew Ward Casner lives in Brooklyn, New York. John’s father, Andrew J. Casner, Jr., the founding partner of the Boston based law firm Casner & Edwards, of Weston, Massachusetts, pre-deceased him. Step brothers and step sisters include John, Michael, Jeffrey and James Potter and Brit, Ted, Hannah and Christopher Babcock. A memorial service is planned for 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 20, at St. Andrew’s Church at 11 Glidden Street, Newcastle, Maine. Consistent with what we think would be John’s wishes, all friends and family who are so inclined are asked to ski a run for him and go sailing and bike riding with some family and friends. When done, raise a glass to his good life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John’s memory to Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, Maryland 20871.