Obituary of Joseph Lloyd McBride

Joseph Lloyd “Joe” McBride, 36, of Belmont, died Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

“Joe Bear,” as he was known to his family, was born in South Lake Tahoe, California on September 16, 1988. Joe spent his childhood in California, Nevada, and Oklahoma, moving to Montville with his family as a teenager and attending Mount View High School. As an adult, Joe enjoyed working with his hands, often holding jobs in construction and agriculture. Though he loved and called Maine home for most of his life, he maintained ties with his western Native American heritage as a member of the Washoe, Paiute, and Miwok tribes of Nevada and California.

Joe was often quiet and thoughtful, but also had a quick wit and a wide, impish grin that lit up his whole face when he was amused. He had a big heart and was a sweet, generous soul who was always willing to lend a hand. With a curious, intelligent mind, he could offer insight into a wide range of topics, but also enjoyed just goofing around, especially with the kids and pets in his life. Joe was a creative who loved music and found his greatest outlet for artistic expression through wood carving, often giving his intricate carvings to family and friends as a token of love.

Our giving, gifted, much beloved Joe will be sorely missed by his parents, Kathleen and Richard Ferguson of Waldo; grandparents, Sharon Damron of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Mickey (Dorian) Harris of Redondo Beach, California; siblings, Dani (Lance) Dayton of Albion, Nikole Arlen of Swanville, Jeff (Brittany) Harris of Monroe, and Kiella Ferguson of Waldo; nieces and nephews, Samantha (John) Harris of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Alex Hanger of Swanville, Griffin and Noelle Harris of Monroe; many cousins, aunts, and uncles; and his beloved little rescue dog, Koko.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Joe’s memory and love of animals by donating to P.A.W.S (https://www.pawscares.org) or help someone struggling with addiction by donating to Project Connect (https://www.voanne.org/locations/project-connect/)