William A. "Bill" Horner

He was born May 11,1920, in Cleveland, Ohio, son of Helen A. and James R. Horner.

From 1942-1946, Bill served in the Navy during World War II as a Communications Officer on the U.S.S. Wyandot. After serving his country, he graduated from the Business School at the University of New Hampshire in 1947 where he met and later married Nancy Jane Anderson. He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and remained Treasurer of the UNH Class of 1947 until his death.

He began his insurance agency career in Concord, New Hampshire and in 1956 moved his family to Cape Elizabeth and started the William A. Horner & Associates insurance agency in Portland. Twenty-three years later, he and Nancy moved to a 200 year old farm in Standish. Together they worked with the Maine Historical Society to designate the farm and surrounding neighborhood as a Maine Historical Landmark. In June 2006, Bill and Nancy retired to Ocean View at Falmouth.

As an outdoor enthusiast, he enjoyed camping trips that included fishing, hiking and canoeing. He frequently went to his favorite lakes, ponds, and streams in Northern Maine with friends and family. He passed along his love and respect of nature to his family. Music played an important role in his life. He was active in the S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. Barbershop Society and sang with his quartet, The Onchords, for many years.

In his later years, he could regularly be seen exercising at the USM Lifeline Gym until his stroke in August 2008. An important part of his stroke rehabilitation had been art therapy during which he fulfilled his dream of learning to paint. His source of inspiration for his paintings came from his passion for the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy A. Horner of Falmouth; a daughter, Diane Sears and her husband John of Conifer, CO; a daughter, Janet Cameron and her husband Evan of Pownal, ME; a son, Carl Horner and his wife Andrea LeMoal of Scarborough, ME; a granddaughter, Marina Horner; a brother, Rick Horner and his wife Barbara of Vassalboro, ME; a brother Bob Horner and his wife Suzanne of North Port, FL; a sister, Anne Melvin of Barrington, NH; and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Thursday, March 24th, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. A memorial service will be held directly following visitation hours.

The Horner family would like to thank the staff of Beacon Hospice for their compassionate care of Bill during the past several months.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in his memory to: Animal Refuge League, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098-0036.