BRUNSWICK – Stephen James Soper, 77, of Brunswick, passed away surrounded by his daughters on March 11, 2026. His presence as a father, grandfather, and friend will be greatly missed. A small celebration of life and viewing of his artwork was hosted on June 10, 2026.

Stephen (also known as Cowboy) was born to Carl and Esther Soper, Oct. 20, 1948, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was the youngest child of four and only son, with three older sisters. He was raised as a Seventh Day Adventist, spending a lot of his childhood in the church, church functions and camps and attending an Adventist boarding school.

He often shared his most treasured childhood memories of a family road trip (without seatbelts) across the United States, in the heat of the summer. He lived as a young adult through the ’60’s and ’70’s and had the stories to prove it! Traveling by hitchhiking, living and serving with Hare Krishna’s in New York City. Traveling with musicians, and eventually ending up in Maine. He worked a variety of jobs as a bouncer, in shoe repair, and in the field of masonry. He was married to Wendy (Lipfert) for 17 years. They had three daughters together, Sita, Cara, and Tamara.

He received a degree in sculpture from Maine College of Art. During his time living in Portland, He worked at Joseph’s of Portland, Portland Architectural Salvage, and Una Wine Bar and Lounge. He moved to Brunswick and worked in food services at Bowdoin College, where he retired from.

Stephen was a two-time cancer survivor. Completing treatment and in remission from non Hodgkins lymphoma and more recently, esophageal cancer.

Stephen always made art, it was his greatest form of expression. Although he never became a known artist, he was a successful artist and never stopped creating. He was well known in his neighborhood and community for walking everywhere. He had a passion for gardening, collecting books and rugs, and cooking unique cuisine. He loved to share his latest discovered recipes with people and had a love of blueberry soda.

He was the grandfather to 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was always amused by their antics and amazed by their individual personalities. He had a knack for encouraging their creativity.