SANFORD — Willard Harry Stevens, 76, a brother and an Uncle to many; died peacefully after a long illness on March 23, 2016 at Pine Point Center in Scarborough, Maine.
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| Willard Harry Stevens |
Willard, Bill, lived in Sanford for many years. He was born in Caribou on July 14, 1939. Bill was blessed with a gracious heart and a love for books and writing. After graduating from Caribou High School in 1957 he graduated from Higgins Classical institute in 1958. He then attended St. Anselm College and worked as a Librarian attendant while studying there. While at St. Anselm’s he also became a member of the Knights of Columbus. He also earned two certificates from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for sub-professional Librarian and Professional Librarian.
Bill worked for Birds Eye Division of General Foods Inc. and American Kitchen Foods Inc. for 19 years before moving to Sanford. Bill served as recording secretary for the International Assoc. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; he was also an editor for the “County Labor Leader” from 1974-1976. Bill was an active member of the Caribou Jaycees, being elected President in 1971. He was also the editor for the “Caribou Jaycee Observer.” He served on the Board of Directors for the Loring Federal Credit Union in Caribou. Upon moving to Sanford he worked at Brooks International Woolen for 20 years before ending his working years at Spencer Press. In Sanford he was an officer in the fraternity of the Harbor Masters of Portland and was their editor for “The Helm”. He was also a member of the Sanford Writers Group and served on the board of the Waban Association. Bill also volunteered for the Meals on Wheels Program. In his spare time he liked to travel and took pleasure in writing two books about his beloved friend Arnold, a mixed breed Siamese- Himalayan cat, for whom he took great care and pride in. He was a communicant of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish/ Holy Family Church.
Bill was predeceased by his father, Whitford T. Stevens, his mother, Martha Hamilton Stevens Haskell, his step-father, David Haskell, and his brother Whitford T. Stevens Jr. To those remaining he was a longtime friend to Ronald Morin, a brother to Stephanie and William Flagg, a brother-in-law to Sarah Stevens, an uncle to Cordelia Saunders, April, Mary Catherine, Elizabeth and David Flagg, Whitford T. Stevens III, a great uncle and a great-great uncle.
There will be a Funeral Mass on April 4, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church 31 Thomas Ave., Caribou and a Memorial Mass on April 25, 2016 at Holy Family Church 66 North Ave., Sanford.
Contributions in his honor may be made to a Humane Society closest to you.
