CHEBEAGUE ISLAND — Edmund Ellis Doughty, 57, died Nov. 28, at Maine Medical Center with his family at his side.

The son of Earle and Josephine Ellis Doughty, he was born April 2, 1958, in Madrid, Spain, where his father was a construction manager. The family moved to Chebeague, his father’s childhood home, in 1960, and opened Doughty’s Island Market in 1961. The store and the island were Doughty’s anchor. No matter where he traveled, Chebeague and the store brought him back home.

In 1982, Doughty took over the management of Island Market. In 1987, he married his longtime love, Julie MacNeill, with whom he carried on the family’s business legacy. He took great pride in his sons, Joshua and Dylan, and also shared his love of music and sports with them. As someone who spent many hours watching the Patriots and the Red Sox with his family, Doughty was thrilled when Dylan’s baseball team won the state championship last June. He was also very proud when his son, Josh, majored in music, and became a professional musician

Doughty attended Chebeague Island School and graduated from Greely High School in 1976. At Greely he formed many lifelong friendships and was active in track and field, for which he held a state record. He also played on the baseball team.

“Mr. Ed,” as he was fondly known, liked nothing better than taking road trips with his boys to see live performances by their favorite bands. Over the years he formed personal connections with many professional musicians, and had photos taken with David Crosby, Jackson Browne, James Taylor and numerous others. 

Doughty also enjoyed being outdoors and spending time at his family camp, “Tiekilew.” He loved to stargaze and canoe through the great Maine woods.

For many people, Ed Doughty was the face of Chebeague. Everyone was special to Mr. Ed, and he endeared himself to others by inventing nicknames for many of his fellow islanders. He enjoyed watching children as they contemplated their purchases, and was happiest when islanders would come in to chat, catch up on the news, listen to the latest music, or share a joke.

Doughty is survived by his wife, Julie; two sons, Joshua and Dylan; and special nieces Karly, Jodie and Mindy Derby.

A celebration of Doughty’s life was held Dec. 5 at the Chebeague Island United Methodist Church, followed by a graveside burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chebeague Island Rescue, 192 North Rd., Chebeague Island, ME 04017, or Chebeague Island Hall Community Center, 247 South Rd, Chebeague Island ME 04017.