Penobscot Nation – It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Matthew Paul Sappier, 86, began his sacred walk December 2nd, 2025. Born September 16th, 1939 to Paul and Mary "Doozie" Sappier, Matthew was a cherished man who will be deeply missed. Matthew is predeceased by his parents; his wife of almost 50 years Helen; daughter Terry Ring; brother Jim Sappier; cousin Joe Polchies and best friend Glen "Glam" Lolar. He is survived by his daughter Mary, her son Matthew Sappier II; son-in-law Herbert Ring; granddaughter Bridget Ring and her daughter Charli Rose; sisters Teresa Sappier, Mary Fitzgerald, and Dolores Sappier; "sister" Annette Desjardins, and many nieces and nephews. Matthew graduated from Old Town High School with the Class of 1958 before proudly serving in the United States Army as a telecommunications specialist. Following his active duty service, he continued his commitment by enlisting in the Air National Guard, where he served for many years. Back home, Matthew worked for the James River Mill in Old Town for what felt like a lifetime, eventually retiring to enjoy the simple pleasures of time spent with those he loved most. A true outdoorsman, Matthew found peace and joy in nature. In his younger years, he was an avid hunter; as he grew older, "hunting" became less about the game and more about sitting in the woods, sharing lunch, and creating memories his family will always cherish. He had a passion for fishing, especially fly fishing, and he proudly taught Mary how to tie her own flies. Matthew was a natural tinkerer, happiest when he was elbow-deep in an engine. Even when he wasn't entirely sure how something worked, he was determined to figure it out. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open the Sappier Moc Shop in Bar Harbor, where he crafted and sold moccasins. He also loved a good game of cribbage; he and his brother Jim enjoyed entering tournaments during Community Days. From 1972 to 1974, Matthew served as Governor of Indian Island, a role he undertook with dedication before deciding politics just wasn't where his heart truly belonged. Visiting hours will be held Thursday, December 11th starting at 4pm and a formal service will begin at 4:30pm at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main Street Old Town, ME. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your local VA or to the Penobscot Nation Youth Program in Matthew's name; to know that Indigenous children's lives were bettered in Matthew's name would mean the world to him and his family.