Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race Co-Founder 'Sonny' Colburn Dies at 93

Colburn helped launch the iconic annual event in 1967 alongside Lew 'Spook' Gilman.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Edwin 'Sonny' Colburn, one of the co-founders of the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race in Bangor, Maine, passed away on February 20 at the age of 93. Colburn and his longtime friend Lew 'Spook' Gilman created the annual race in 1967, which has since grown into one of the most popular paddling events in New England.

Why it matters

The Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race has become an iconic annual tradition in Maine, drawing paddlers from across the country and Canada for over 50 years. Colburn and Gilman's vision and dedication were instrumental in establishing the race and ensuring its longevity.

The details

Colburn and Gilman met at Miller's Restaurant in Bangor in 1967 to discuss creating the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race. They pitched the idea to the Bangor Parks and Recreation Department, which approved it, leading to the inaugural race on May 21, 1967 with 51 paddlers in 32 canoes/kayaks. The race has grown tremendously over the decades, with a record 745 craft and 1,529 paddlers in 1994. Last year, there were 406 craft carrying 760 paddlers, bringing the total to 21,763 canoes/kayaks and 42,287 paddlers since the race began.

  • The 59th annual Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race will be held on April 18, 2026.
  • Colburn passed away on February 20, 2026 at the age of 93.

The players

Edwin 'Sonny' Colburn

One of the co-founders of the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race, along with Lew 'Spook' Gilman.

Lew 'Spook' Gilman

The late co-founder of the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race, along with Edwin 'Sonny' Colburn.

Debbie Gendreau

The assistant Bangor Parks and Recreation director who has been the race director for 18 years.

Tracy Willette

The director of the Bangor Parks and Recreation Department.

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What they’re saying

“Lew and Sonny were definitely the icons of this race.”

— Debbie Gendreau, Assistant Bangor Parks and Recreation director (Bangor Daily News)

“We owe a lot to them, what they did to get this race started and to the longevity of the race. To have this still going for over 50 years is truly a testament to them and to what they did to develop this event. They are legends of canoeing in the area and in the state.”

— Tracy Willette, Director of the Bangor Parks and Recreation Department (Bangor Daily News)

“He had a great sense of humor and always had an idea. He was always thinking outside the box a little bit. And he wasn't shy about sharing those ideas. I always looked forward to seeing him and having him out there with us on that Saturday morning.”

— Tracy Willette, Director of the Bangor Parks and Recreation Department (Bangor Daily News)

What’s next

The 59th annual Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race will be held on April 18, 2026, marking the first time the event will take place without co-founder Sonny Colburn.

The takeaway

The Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race has endured for over 50 years thanks to the vision and dedication of its co-founders, Sonny Colburn and Lew 'Spook' Gilman. Their legacy will continue to inspire the thousands of paddlers who participate in this iconic Maine tradition each year.