WILLIAM ‘BILL’ T. BARNETT, SILVER RIDGE – William ‘Bill’ Barnett, age 96, passed away on July 7, 2017, at Narraguagus Bay HealthCare with his family by his side. He was born in Auburn, Maine on March 31, 1921.
Bill was Navy Veteran who served as a cook during World War II. Boxing was a passion while he was in the service and he even sparred with two-time world champion Willie Pep.
After his discharge, he worked as a butcher for Amour Meat in Hartford, Connecticut, where he met the love of his life, Cecilia Colberg Barnett. After moving to Maine with Cecelia he worked at Great Northern for more than 40 years. Bill also ran Barnett’s Cabins, where, as a Registered Maine Guide, he housed hunting clients from all over the country. They returned year after year, not only for the guide service but for the wonderful meals that were provided to them by Cecilia. Many of them became lifelong friends. Bill was a registered guide for over 50 years.
Bill was a devoted family man with an extraordinary work ethic. He had a great love for hunting and fishing and was well known for his stories. He also had a great love for Cecilia’s cooking.
Bill was predeceased by Cecilia Barnett in 2014 after 61 years of marriage, a daughter, Karen Barnett, a sister, Evelyn Barnett, a brother Maurice Barnett and grandson Eric Barnett.
He will be greatly missed by sons, Reginald Hartford of Sherman Station, Maurice Barnett and wife Michele of Buxton, Michael (Mike) Barnett and wife, Angela of Silver Ridge, Peter Barnett and wife, Candy of Durham, William (Bill) Barnett and his wife Mary of Calais; 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Doug and Terri of Loving Touch in Bangor, the staff of Beacon Hospice, and the staff at Narraguagus Bay whose compassion helped us through a difficult time.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. with the Reverend James O’Hara officiating on Saturday, July 15 at the Silver Ridge Cemetery with full military honors.
For an online memory book and to leave condolences please visit www.bowersfuneral.com
