Obituary: Charles R. Priest
Charles R. Priest, a longtime Brunswick resident and veteran of Maine’s public service landscape, died on July 28, 2026, at the age of 80, surrounded by family. His passing marks the end of a life deeply woven into the state’s legal, legislative, and civic fabric.
Born on February 7, 1946, at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., Priest was the son of Suzanne Randall Priest and Charles Priest, with sister Sharon Kearns and brother Michael Priest. He arrived in Maine not long after his naval service, driven by a commitment to give back to the community that would become his home.
A Dartmouth College graduate, Priest answered the call to serve his country as a lieutenant in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, where he served as an advisor aboard a Vietnamese gunboat. Upon returning stateside, he settled in Maine, earning his law degree from the University of Maine School of Law and building a career as an attorney. His education and military experience became the foundation for a lifelong dedication to public duty.
Priest’s influence in Maine politics spanned 14 years, during which he represented Brunswick in the Maine Legislature. Colleagues from both sides of the aisle came to respect his measured approach and policy expertise. In his final two terms, he served as House Chair of the Judiciary Committee, where he played a central role in crafting thoughtful, lasting legislation for the people of the state. His service to Brunswick extended well beyond the State House. He was an early appointee to the Brunswick Town Council, where he served as chair, and was among the first members named to the Brunswick Cable TV Committee, continuing in that role for many years, most recently as vice chair. From 2006 until his death, Priest chaired the Brunswick Sewer District Board of Trustees, providing steady oversight and leadership for two decades.
Those who knew Priest often spoke of a man whose curiosity was as enduring as his commitment to service. In his late 40s, he took up the study of Chinese, traveling to China with his teacher, and he remained an avid reader and lifelong learner until the end. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ryan, and their two daughters, Clare E.T. Priest of Chanhassen, Minnesota, and Jennifer R. Reed of Washington, D.C. Grandchildren Athena and Chiron brought him great joy in his later years. A faithful member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brunswick, Priest’s life was marked by integrity, wisdom, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to serving others.
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brunswick on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10 a.m. Those wishing to share memories or offer condolences can do so at brackettfh.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
