William R. Wilding

Sunday, April 3. He was born in Lewiston on Sept. 13, 1926, the son of the late George W. Wilding and Nellie Helen Gray. Bill enlisted in the US Navy in 1944, after graduating from Lewiston High School. On December 23, 1949, he married Anna May James of Auburn. They enjoyed 60 years of married life together before her recent death in December, 2010. Bill attended The Traphagen School of Fashion in New York City where he completed a course in Interior Decoration. It was during this time that William and Anna enjoyed the arts, music and culture that New York City offered. He freelanced as a window trimmer several years before obtaining a job at B. Peck Department Store in Lewiston. Bill had a passion for Big Band Era Music, archery, and foreign cars. He and his wife Anna enjoyed cross country skiing together and were avid walkers. He had a green thumb and was proud of his gardening creativity with flowers, shrubs and trees. He is survived by his sons; Tim of Wales, Dain and his wife Venise of Lewiston, daughters; Susie Wilding-Hartford of Litchfield and Wendy Chisholm of Oak Harbor, Washington. Grandchildren; Jason Wilding and wife Karen, Kristen Wilding, Derek Wilding and wife Shannon, Adam Wilding, Gina and Sadie Hartford, Lindy (Chisholm) Fogg, her husband Jason, and Nathan Chisholm, along with seven great-grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his wife Anna, sister Margaret Duarte and brother Arthur Wilding.

Bill was a handsome and well-dressed man who was fashionable and debonair. He showed a flare wearing striking suits and stellar Stetson hats.

A big thank you goes out to Dr. Austin, Maureen, Gary-Ann, and all the remarkable staff at the Hospice House who filled his last days with comfort, dignity and respect.

Donations may be sent in honor of William Wilding to the Androscoggin Hospice House Fund at:

15 Strawberry Ave. P.O. Box 819

Lewiston, ME 04243-0819

www.ahch.org