Obituary of William N. Moore

Bill Moore of Searsmont Maine passed away New Year’s morning after a long courageous battle with cancer. Born in Presque Isle Maine, raised in Stoneham Mass, but most comfortable and happy on the Mid-Coast of Maine, Bill led a rich and fulfilling life. He loved hiking, camping and kayaking hours and days into the deep woods and rivers of Northern Maine. Bill was the gourmet chef and guide on these adventures with his cherished Sonja and his lifelong friend Tom. Whether it was walking the Appalachian Trail or kayaking the coastal waters of Penobscot Bay, Bill’s love of nature and the outdoors was always there. Bill was an avid naturalist. He particularly loved birds and wild flowers and he even learned the names and characteristics of all the types of seaweed that grow in New England waters. He loved to travel having toured Egypt and much of Latin America. At age 49, Sonja took him on his first adventure to Peru and infected him with the travel bug. Carrying a backpack and the clothes on his back, Bill’s only challenge was to find a local bar with a TV that would get the Super Bowl to watch his Patriots battle away. As a Boston Red Sox and Patriots sports fan, Bill often remarked “Yup, it’s tough to be a New England Sports fan!” He was a self-taught man of deep intellect, much of it gained through his voluminous reading of articles, books, journals and magazines. Working in Camden Maine, brought him many friendships including numerous authors, painters, sculptors, actors and writers. He loved people and they loved him. Bill could carry on a very intelligent, informed conversation with anyone on any topic from politics to sports, anthropology to sociology, biology to psychology - and he would have a theory for each. His wit was sharp and on point and his humor extensive. Over the last year, Bill’s philosophical approach to his inevitable death was amazing to witness. He chose to live his last year as he wanted rather than undergo further medical intervention. He said he understood the trade-off but chose to kayak, swim and walk the woods and beaches of his beloved Maine. When asked what the best part of his life had been Bill responded - “Getting to live here in the woods of Maine, close enough to the lakes and mountains and the ocean!” We were all blessed to have had Bill in our lives. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. Bill is survived by his sister and brother in law Wendy and Al Sweeney of Danvers Ma., his brother Herb of Orlando Fl., his lifelong friends Tom and Terry Smith and his beloved Sonja Olson. May he Rest in Peace and find endless new adventures wherever he may be. A Celebration of his life is planned for later this year. Donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the Farnsworth Museum, 16 Museum St Rockland Maine 04841.