Clayton M. “Tiger” Bragdon died on July 26, 2013.

Tiger was born in Rochester, N.H. on October 6, 1952, the son of Clayton M. and Abbie A. (Hatch) Bragdon. He grew up on a farm in Lebano with his brothers, Timmy and Emil. An avid 4-H member, Tiger showed many of their prize cattle at agricultural fairs in the area. Tiger graduated from Noble High School in 1970.

From the farm, Tiger migrated north to his parents hunting camp in Eustis, accompanied by his Uncle Joe and the Jersey boys. Soon he found himself the proprietor of Eustis’ “Trail’s End” restaurant. Many stories to this day live on from the times spent at that bar. As owner/manager of “The Bourbon Bombers,” one of the first local ski racing teams at Sugarloaf, Tiger held their weekly team “meetings” there.

Members Bruce Hopkins, Jeff and Harriett Rosenburg, Brownie (Paul Brown), Razor (Dave Merriam), Dave Bridges and others were in attendance.

Tiger married Debbie Bragdon in 1974. Their son Ben was born in 1982.

In between keeping the peace at “Maxwell’s” nightly with Ron Moody, the original “Shucks” restaurant (formally called “Jake Cassidy’s”) was another workplace for Tiger. From there, he joined up with Lloyd Cuttler at “Gepetto’s” restaurant and later at “Gepetto’s” in Boothbay Harbor. Shucking oysters, cooking, bartending and always entertaining would have been his job description. Many nights in the 1980s you could find Tiger and Danny Beal at the piano at Gepetto’s in Boothbay.

Fishing was a passion for Tiger. His boat Showtime could be found motoring out of York Harbor in the 1990s manned by himself and Dave Bridges while Lloyd Cuttler would be in the sky locating schools of tuna for the taking. The largest catch in five years was 800 pounds.

Another passion for Tiger was golf. He played in many charity and celebrity tournaments at Sugarloaf and other courses. Thanks to Danny Snow, he worked at the Masters in Augusta, Ga., consistently for the last 20 years. Danny, Tiger, Tom Blake, Ron Moody and Johnny DeBiase left Sugarloaf for many years (escaping Reggae Weekend) to assist the players at the Masters and to commandeer the bar at “The Outback Steakhouse” during the tournament.

In the late 1990s, Tiger and Lloyd partnered to build up Gepetto’s at Sugarloaf and to convert the “Truffle Hound” restaurant formerly, owned by Steve Warren, into a sister establishment revitalizing the “Shucks” name. Jenny Needham was also by their sides to keep them both in line. Kathy Brewster, a longtime companion was always close by.

In later years, Tiger would define “home” between the Valley and Portland. Many hours were spent boating with Peter Conforti on Portland Harbor, and spending time with good friends, such as John Guinn, owner of The Commercial Street Pub. He would always share his knowledge of sports, spreads and restaurant service with the local establishments North and South or with anyone who asked.

Tiger’s magnetic personality and sawmill whisper acquired him many friends, near and far over his lifetime. Once you met him, you never forgot him. A farm boy, a husband, a father, a chef, a bartender, a fisherman, a boss, a co-worker. Tiger was many things to many people. But he was a friend to all.

Surviving is Tiger's mother, Abbie Bragdon; son, Army Capt. Benjamin Bragdon and his wife, Sara, of Roanoke, Ala.; his former wife and dear friend, Deborah Bragdon, of North Berwick; and two brothers, Timothy Bragdon and his wife, Sue, of Lebanon and Emil Bragdon of Irving, Texas. Predeceasing Tiger was his father, Clayton M. Bragdon Sr.

All are invited to a celebration of Tiger’s life at Gepetto’s on Saturday, August 24 at 2 p.m. Tiger Bragdon always had a story to tell. So many were told over the years and most would leave you with a smile. We would like to pay tribute to his memory by compiling some of the great stories about him and those who had the pleasure of knowing him, to share with his son Ben, who will be returning to Afghanistan soon.

If you have a favorite story or a picture that you would like to share, please bring them along to the celebration or email them to: sueblakewilson@msn.com, message to: Gepetto’s Sugarloaf, USA on Facebook or mail them directly to Gepetto’s Restaurant, 9000 Main Street, Village West, Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947.