WILLIAM G. LOTHROP PRESQUE ISLE – William G. Lothrop, 82, died at his home on April 9, 2017, after a long battle with COPD. Bill was born on August 2, 1934, in Lewiston, Maine. He was the son of Merritt and Grace Lothrop.
Bill was an educator for 50 years, teaching math and science at Ashland High School, Caribou High School and Presque Isle High School before becoming a professor at the University of Maine – Presque Isle for 40 years. There are many people scattered throughout Maine and New Brunswick that had “Professor Lothrop” as a math teacher.
Bill lived in Ashland after graduating from college during most of his teaching career. The last 22 years, he resided in Presque Isle.
Bill earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and Master’s Degree from the University of Maine-Orono. He did advanced studies at the University of New Hampshire. During his summer “vacations” and weekends, Bill would cut and sell firewood and paint various houses and buildings in the area.
Bill’s favorite pastime was fishing, something he did for many hours at a time on many lakes and ponds in Aroostook County, especially Carr Pond and Munsungan Lake. He proudly became a registered Maine guide and worked at the Bradford Camps for several summers. To his credit, Bill caught two “The One That Didn’t Get Away Club” Landlocked Salmon and one Lake Trout, weighing 16 pounds!
Bill also liked to spend time at his camp on Squa Pan Lake during hunting season, and hang out at “Lil’s Diner” in Ashland in the mornings with many of the diner’s regulars. Since moving to Presque Isle, Bill even “attempted” golf at the Presque Isle County Club and taking a yearly trip to Myrtle Beach. During these activities, it was not uncommon to see Bill with a Budweiser in his hand!
Bill is survived by his wife of 21 years, Joan Lothrop; his daughter, Carrie Reed of Presque Isle; and his son, Ben Lothrop of Ashland. He is survived by his grandchildren, Courtney Reed, Caroline Reed, Sam Reed, Emilee Lothrop, Kylee Lothrop and Ashlee Peters, along with several great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by two special fishing and hunting buddies, Paul Fitzhenry of Auburn and Dana Hagerthy of Bath; and by very special next-door neighbors, Heather and Rob MacKinnon and their children. He was predeceased by his parents; his grandson, Tyler Reed; and son-in-law Ted Reed.
There will be a gathering in Bill’s memory on Saturday, April 15, at 11 a.m. at the Ashland Advent Christian Church, followed by a short reception. His family and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Bill’s memory to the University of Maine – Presque Isle, Office of Advancement, 181 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME, 04769. Any funds will be used to help further the education of students at the university. Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at
www.duncan-graves.com.
