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United in grief over the untimely deaths of their sons, Susan McIntire and Diane Gagne joined hands — and arms — on Sept. 21 to donate blood in a community drive designed to honor the young men and potentially save lives in Harpswell and beyond.
Before he died unexpectedly last November at the age of 32, Chris McIntire was a hardworking lobsterman, loving father of two young sons, and someone who volunteered as a church trustee and fishing industry advocate. He was also a blood donor who gave his first pint at age 18.
“His father and his grandfather had given blood, so he took that from them,” Susan McIntire said. “He just believed in giving. He would be very happy” about the drive held at the Orr’s Island Schoolhouse.
Wesley Gagne, 37, died in 2024 after a brief illness, leaving a daughter, Harper, and a deep sense of loss in his family and community. His mother gave blood for the first time at the Sept. 21 drive.
“God built Wesley’s heart first and built his body to fit. He was strong as an ox and the most wonderful father and son,” Diane Gagne said about her son, a football player who stood 6 feet, 3 inches tall. “This is a wonderful way to honor their memories and help people who need blood.”
The blood drive was a heartening success, attracting 39 donors — 18 of whom were, like Diane Gagne, first-time donors.
The drive came at a time of great need, said Geoff Allen, a donor recruitment manager with the American Red Cross. During the summer, blood supplies ran so low that the organization was unable to supply all the blood hospitals needed. While the crisis has eased since August, Allen said donations are critical in the months leading into the holidays.
“A drive like this means a lot, especially when you had two men who were so beloved in the community,” Allen said.
Sarah Potter lives just down the street from the Orr’s Island home Chris McIntire shared with his wife, Margaret, and sons, Clifford and Marshall, who were ages 4 and 2 when their father died.
“This is my 87th time” giving blood, Potter said. But this one held a special meaning as she remembered her neighbor, who loved to join his sons in playing with the toy trucks her husband had given them. “It will mean a lot to the families and it’s a sign of the town coming together.”
Melinda Richter, Chris McIntire’s mother-in-law, worked with Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department volunteer Beth York to organize the drive.
“It’s a way to honor these two kids and for us to remember,” Richter said. “Maybe one day Chris’ sons and Wesley’s daughter will also give blood.”
