WILLIAM M. WILLIAMSON
JEFFERSON – William Moore Williamson, 80, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. He was born on January 16, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois.
Infant Bill was quickly living with his maternal grandparents after the death of his mother from a complicated childbirth and the subsequent deployment of his father on a Navy ship to the Pacific during World War II.
Returning from the war, his father took him to Denver, Colorado, and eventually to Pittsford, New York, where Bill grew up the eldest of a tight family of two sisters and a brother from a second marriage.
He also met the love of his life and best friend forever, Susan Tobey Williamson, in high school there in upstate New York. Together they lived in Japan for a year after Bill’s voluntary tour in Vietnam as a radio operator in a classified signals intelligence unit early in the war. When they returned to the states, he completed degrees at Dartmouth College, in Hanover, New Hampshire, and the business school at the University of Michigan. Susie and Bill had 60 years of marriage and tons of fun raising two boys.
As a father he taught how to have safe adventures by always asking, “What happens next?” He demonstrated by sailing the family around Boston Harbor and across Massachusetts Bay, taking up SCUBA diving, skydiving, and eventually drone piloting.
All the while, Bill continued to stretch his knowledge and technical skill in the fields of electrical engineering, mechanics, boating, and fine woodwork. Eventually his mastery of these subjects would culminate in the construction (as The Computer Guy) of untold computers for clients in midcoast Maine, beautiful built-in cabinetry in his homes, and a masterpiece of a classic wooden motor boat he enjoyed on Damariscotta Lake.
Bill retired early from NYNEX after a decades long career with the telephone company (under many different names) during which he worked as a lineman and then an executive and as a lineman again when needed during union strikes. He knew hard work, believed in honest service at an honest price, and to the utter amazement of everyone he ever spoke to, he understood how to make, take apart, fix and rebuild nearly anything this world offers…and was glad to explain.
A truer patriot-citizen was never created. Bill joined and offered his expertise to many volunteer efforts over the years. Always an animal lover, he helped pave the way for the legalization of ferrets by the Massachusetts Legislature. He also worked tirelessly to create bike and walking trails on abandoned railroad rights of way, starting with the one in the backyard of the family house in Framingham, Massachusetts. His file cabinets, mailbox, and telephone were all overflowing with evidence of the many, many organizations, ballot initiatives and Democratic candidates he supported. Bill embodied fairness, thought independently and proved that we are stronger when we work together to solve problems.
Steadfast, strong and humorous to the very end; kind to everyone; he is missed.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting: http://www.StrongHancock.com.
GENTRY C. STUART
CHINA – Gentry Carvell Stuart, 16, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. He was born on November 12, 2007, in Waterville, the son of Willard Jr. and Jessica Stuart.
He was a sophomore at Erskine Academy, in South China, and had future aspirations of attending Thomas College for a degree in finance. He was an excellent student and kind to anyone he ever met. He had a strong passion for genealogy and solving family mysteries.
He is survived by his parents, Willard Stuart Jr., of Chelsea, and Jessica Stuart, of China; his sister Ashley Stuart, of Chelsea; his gram Deb Stuart, of Farmingdale; his grandparents, Roger Levesque and Donna Makowski, of China, and Connie and Gerard Roy, of Winthrop; numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, Willard Stuart Sr. and Beverly Stoddard.
A celebration of life will be held at 13 Stuart Lane, in Farmingdale on Saturday, August 17, starting at 2 p.m.
A full obituary can be found online: Veilleux Funeral Home: vrlfuneralhome.com.
ROBERT A. McQUILLAN
SIDNEY – Robert Arthur McQuillan, 95, of Sidney, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, due to injuries resulting from a fall, with several family members at his side until the end. Bob was born in Waterville, September 19, 1928, to the late Doctor Arthur H. and Verna A. McQuillan.
He graduated from Waterville High school in 1947, attended Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, and served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Texas. He married Geraldine C. Pinnette during the famous blizzard of 1952 and had an extremely strong marriage until her death in July 2009. There would never be another for him, he said “once you’ve had the best, why would you settle for less?”
Settling in Waterville after his stint in the service, Bob worked for C.F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, as a production supervisor, followed by roles as Health Club Director for YMCAs, in Waterville and Augusta, ultimately finishing his working career at Rummel’s Ice Cream (now Gifford’s), in Waterville, where he had worked as a teenager, making and delivering ice cream, a job he really enjoyed. He loved his ice cream!
Bob and Jerri moved their family from Waterville to a rundown farm in Sidney in 1969 which became known as “The Farm”, and he was soon busy refitting the house with modern wiring, plumbing and insulation, jacking up the house and barn, and took on raising animals for meat, growing beautiful vegetable gardens, keeping horses and haying local fields, harvesting all the firewood to heat their home, and so much more. Life for him was all about the “doing” and not concerning himself with many of the trappings of modern society.
He had many hobbies including hunting, fishing, camping, boating, snowmobiling and other outdoor oriented pursuits. He and his sons had many adventures cutting wood, trout fishing up north, going down the rivers and fishing on the coast, and he and Rory went to the top of Mt. Washington together for his 89th birthday. His grandchildren also provided and shared many adventures with him, including an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., moose hunting and white water rafting in his 80s, and they delighted in stopping by The Farm with unexpected treats like hamburgers and lobster rolls or taking him out for an ice cream cone, nearly always strawberry.
He had a lifelong love of country music and got to see many icons of the genre in concert, meeting some along the way. Although he considered himself a Jack of all trades and master of none, he was particularly skilled at making bread, filleting white perch, and felling trees with precision, and enjoyed working his woodpile well into his 80s. He took delight in the fact that he was born the year Walt Disney produced Mickey Mouse and loved Mickey themed items such as his Mickey Mouse watch, sweatshirt, etc., and even named his last cat Mickey.
Bob also found time for civic engagement. He was a YMCA Indian Guide Chief, served on the Sidney Planning Board, and was the first president of the Sidney Snowmobile Club, leading trail clearing efforts, etc. As an example of his generous nature, he donated over 19 gallons of his own blood to the American Red Cross during his lifetime, a practice he continued into his 90s until he was advised it was probably best to keep it for himself at this point.
A voracious reader, Bob read thousands of books in his lifetime and was a regular patron of the Oakland Public Library. His daughter Maureen delighted in driving him there as well as to the numerous medical appointments necessary to help him reach such a ripe old age. His daughter Heidi became a Certified Nurse’s Aide and was instrumental in enabling him to remain in his Sidney home until the end, while Billy kept the legal and financial issues in order and Rory pitched in as needed. In his later years Bob was a very colorful character, easily making friends everywhere he went, telling his stories and serving as a local historian, taking great delight in correcting “facts” occasionally encountered in various publications. Love for him was expressed by many folks inside and outside the family referring to him as “Dad.”
In addition to Jerri, Bob was predeceased by his brother John and twin sisters Kathleen Lord and Elaine Marston.
He is survived by his son Robert McQuillan Jr. (Billy) and wife Jane, of Embden and Winslow, their children Robbie and Kristen McQuillan; his daughter Maureen Morison and husband Robert, of Sidney, and sons Tyler McQuillan and Kyle Morison; his son Rory McQuillan and wife Judy, of Sidney, their children Natasha, Robert E. and Rhea McQuillan; and his daughter Heidi McQuillan, of Sidney, and her sons Dakota and twins Ditrick and Darrien Allard; eight great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren; Ronald Levesque and “Cousin Nephew” John Terczyak.
There will be a celebration of life open to the public at the Waterville Elks Club, Industrial Street, in Waterville, on Saturday, August 3, with the gathering beginning at 10 a.m.
Please visit Robert’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/robert-mcquillan where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.
JOSEPH CARTER
FAIRFIELD – Joseph Carter, 65, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024, at his home in Fairfield. He was born in Bitburg, Germany, on June 5, 1959, to Roland and Anna Carter. He graduated from Waterville High School in 1977.
Joe worked as a specialist craftsman at Pella (formally Duratherm Windows and Doors), in Vassalboro, for 44 years and retired in May 2024.
Joe’s favorite past-times were cooking, gardening, carpentry, cycling, golfing and traveling.
He was predeceased by his parents Roland and Anna Carter; and two younger brothers, Jeff and John.
He is survived by his wife, Carla, of Fairfield; daughter, Tia, her husband Eric and grandson Ethan (who is currently serving in the military in Hawai’i), of Benton; his sister, Jennifer and her husband Joseph Faust; and nephews Derek and Jason LaRocque, from Chesterfield, Virginia.
The service was held on July 26, at Corpus Christi Church, 116 Silver St. in Waterville, directly followed by a reception in the church hall, and then a graveside service at Maple Wood Cemetery, 15 Bartlett St., in Fairfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MGMC Breast Cancer Care Program, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903 or online at Give.mainegeneral.org.
DOMINIQUE M. ANDREWS
CHINA – Dominque Madeline Andrews, 23, passed away suddenly of natural causes on July 22, 2024 at home. She was born November 23, 2000, a daughter of Richard L. Andrews Jr. and Michelle M. (Qualey) Andrews.
Dominque, known to her friends and family as “Meeka” grew up in Maine and enjoyed playing soccer, basketball and softball. She graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in the class of 2019 and went on to earn an associate degree in biological science from Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield. This spring, Meeka made her family proud by graduating cum laude from the University of Maine at Augusta with a bachelors degree in justice studies. Meeka was aspiring to become a game warden for the State of Maine. She was currently employed at Securitas.
Meeka loved the Maine outdoors and enjoyed spending as much time as possible at camp on Moosehead Lake. A tomboy, she liked to go fishing and had recently taken a hunter’s safety course. Meeka was a member of the Windsor Historical Society and volunteered her time at the Windsor Fair every year.
Meeka will be remembered for her intelligence, strong convictions, and outgoing personality- a friend to all.
She was predeceased by her paternal grandfather, Richard Andrews Sr.
Meeka is survived by her mother, Michelle Andrews and her partner, Dave King; her father, Richard L. Andrews Jr. and his wife, Jeaneffer (Coronado) Andrews; her siblings, Colby Andrews, Nicolas Andrews, and Lloyd Andrews II; her maternal grandfather, Phillip Qualey; her maternal grandmother, Darlene Qualey; her paternal grandmother, Evangeline Andrews; her maternal great grandfather Darrell Boone; her maternal aunt, Carmen Mosher and her husband Harold; and many friends.
A period of visitation will be held on Friday, August 2, from 3 – 4 p.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363 where a memorial service will begin at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dominque’s name may be made to Windsor Historical Society, P.O. Box 27, Windsor, ME 04363. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting www.plummerfh.com.
GEORGE M. COREY JR.
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SIDNEY – George M. Corey Jr., 84, Sidney, died peacefully on Monday, July 22, 2024, at MaineGeneral Comfort Care, in Augusta. He was born in Sidney, on July 25, 1939, the son of George Corey, Sr. and Madelene Corey.
George attended Williams High School, in Oakland. Growing up, he developed an incredible work ethic while working in the woods with a team of horses with his father, and as a laborer for area farmers.
He met his future bride, Phyllis Eastman, while employed as a gas station attendant on College Avenue, in Waterville. They were married in 1962 and loved and cared for one another for just a few days short of 62 years. George worked for Harris Bakery, Greeley and Getchell, and Pullen Ford, all in Waterville, as a mechanic. In 1974, George built his dairy farm from the ground up. In 1978, he combined this farm with a larger farm, moving the family, where he continued farming until 1996. At this point, George milled lumber on location with a portable sawmill, harvested wood, helped neighboring farmers and worked as a carpenter for his nephew. He served on the select board in Sidney, mowed cemeteries, cleaned the town office, and worked as an attendant at the transfer station. George was a member of the Masonic Lodge, in Sidney.
George was predeceased by parents, George Corey, Sr. and Madelene Corey; sister and husband, Ruth and Leo J. Grivois; mother-in-law, Ella Eastman; sister-in-law and husband, Rose and Theron Micue Jr.; sister-in-law and husband, Florence and Chester Eames Jr.; and sister-in-law, Wilma Eastman.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Corey, of Sidney; sister-in-law, Roberta Brown, and husband, Fremont, of Terryville, Connecticut; daughter Louise Erskine, and husband, Michael, of Sidney; daughter Debra Corey, of Sidney; grandsons, Jacob Erskine, of Bangor; Ryan Erskine, and fiancée, Mikayla Charters, of Farmingdale; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
At George’s request, there will be no service.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.directcremationofmaine.com.
In George’s memory, donations may be made payable to MaineGeneral Hospice, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828.
CARLTON E. HUBBARD
ALBION – Carlton Edward Hubbard, 48, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at home in Albion, following a long, hard fought battle with cancer. Carlton was born in Waterville, on May 24, 1976.
Carlton attended Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, was a farm hand for many decades, worked at Orion Rope Works, inWinslow, for 17 years, as a mill wright. He worked at Alcom LLC, in Winslow, for almost 10 years, where he was recently employed as a fabricator and supervisor.
Carlton was a jack of all trades He enjoyed working on small engines, tractors, basically anything with a motor. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed hunting with family and close friends. Carlton enjoyed four wheeling, especially in the mud. Carlton was an extremely hard-working man, always willing to work overtime or side jobs to support his wife and family. Carlton was a very proud and respected man. He would do anything to help a friend or family in need.
Carlton was predeceased by his parents, Larry and Jeannette Hubbard, his father -in-law Bernard “Bunny” Linnell, his brother-in-law Rick Fuller and his nephew Ethan Evers.
Carlton is survived by his wife Elizabeth Hubbard, of 29 years; his son Caleb Hubbard, his daughter Eva Barter and her husband Jared Barter and his two grandsons “ Grampy’s Boys” Bennett and Jasper Barter; his brother Sumner Hubbard and his wife Tina; his brother Howard Hubbard and his special friend Gwen; and his sister Everlyn Hubbard; his mother-in-law Wyone Linnell; and many sister in-laws and brother in-laws; many nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10 a.m., at Veilleux-Reddington-Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, at 8 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine 04901.
In lieu of flowers, please contact the family.
MARGO J. VINCENT
WATERVILLE – Margo J. Vincent, 75, died peacefully on February 28, 2024, in Waterville. A graveside burial in Southside Cemetery, Skowhegan, took place on Wednesday, July 31.
Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, where memories of Margo may be shared online by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.
Others Departed
LOUISE D. YOUNG
AUGUSTA – Louise D. Young, 76, long time resident of Augusta, died Saturday, July 20, 2024, at High Point Hospice House, Haverhill, Massachusetts, following a long illness. She was born in Augusta, on December 1, 1947, a daughter of the late Lionel J. and Lucie (Bilodeau) Dumont.
Mrs. Young was a graduate of Cony High School, in Augusta. She had been employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Togus VA Hospital for over 35 years. After she retired, she spent quality time with family and friends and lived each summer on Damariscotta Lake.
Mrs. Young was pre-deceased by her husband, Maynard R. “Bob” Young, III.
She is survived by her daughter, Katherine Young Fergus and her partner Chris Machold, of Andover, Massachusetts; two sons, Christopher R. Young and his wife Julie, and Jason A. Young and his wife Elizabeth, all of Marlborough, Massachusetts; 10 grandchildren, Alex, Maddie, Matthew, Thea, Katie, Ryan, Elyse, Bridget, Declan and Giada; three sisters, Arlene Davis, of Augusta; Patricia Guerrette, of Industry, and Doris Baker, of Nobleboro; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, July 26, at at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Northern Ave., Augusta. Burial followed at the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta.
Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in Louise’s memory be made to the Maynard “Bob” Young Memorial Scholarship Fund, soon to be named the Maynard “Bob” and Louise Young Memorial Scholarship Fund, 375 South Main Street, Andover, Massachusetts 01810. The scholarship supports graduating seniors interested in pursuing education as a field of study.
by Roland D. Hallee
Join the Kennebec Land Trust (KLT) to celebrate another successful year of advancing land conservation throughout the Kennebec River and Lakes Region! Founded in 1988, KLT has conserved over 7,700 acres and constructed more than 58 miles of trails on KLT lands. This year’s event will take place over three days, with plenty of opportunities to learn more about KLT’s recent conservation accomplishments, latest trail improvements, and upcoming projects, and to connect with KLT staff, board members, and supporters.
The Ancient Free and Accepted Masons invite the public to their third annual “Pig Roast”. Last year’s event was met with such enthusiasm; they decided to repeat this year. Rural Lodge #53, of Sidney, was established in 1827 and has always maintained a strong community presence.
To the editor:
