AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage issued a statement about Stuart "Toby" Pennels of Casco, who passed away today as a result of injuries from a motorcycle accident on Sunday, August 3 near Rangeley.

“Ann and I send our deepest condolences to Toby’s wife, Brenda, and their three children,” said Governor LePage. “I conveyed our sympathies when I met with them last week, but we cannot imagine the grief they must feel. At the same time, they should be very proud that their husband and father served our country with honor and always supported his fellow veterans. He was a devoted family man and a dedicated citizen who was willing to step up and serve his community. Toby truly represented the best of Maine, and his example of selfless service has inspired us all.”

Pennels recently retired from the U.S. Army as a colonel. During his career, he had spent a total of almost three years overseas, including Iraq. He was the Republican candidate for State Senate District 26.

A graduate of Windham High School and the University of Massachusetts, Pennels was a financial advisor in his civilian life.