HOPE – William “Billy” Henry Hubbard, 56, died peacefully in his sleep Aug. 30, 2008, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness. He was born Jan. 28, 1952, in Yonkers, N.Y., the son of Henry and Marjorie Hubbard. Billy was born with downs syndrome, but through the love and diligence of his parents, he met and overcame many of life’s challenges and obstacles. Billy attended Coastal Workshop for many years and was still an active member of this community at the onset of his illness. Although he was visually impaired, many of his happiest times were spent drawing pictures and painting boat models with his dad. Occasionally, some of his drawings were used as Christmas cards sent out by Coastal Workshop. For the last five years, he resided at Katheryn Brown Home, Hope, where he was cared for, loved and nurtured by a most loving and devoted staff, without whom his life would not have been as rich and rewarding as it was. His family believes that Billy was sent here as an angel from heaven. His primary reason for being was to teach all of those with whom he came in touch, love, understanding, humility, patience and kindness. Although his long fought journey has come to an end, his memory will live on in the hearts of all of those that were privileged to have known him. Billy is survived by his sister, Pamela Stone and her husband, Richard, of Rockport; his brother, Kevin Hubbard and his wife, Karen, of the Turks and Cacaos Islands; his nieces, Maggie Christie and her husband, Charles, of Rockport, and Heidi Vigue and her husband, John, of Thomaston; his great-nieces, Margaret “Bella” and Mary Christie of Rockport, Cassie Webber and Sophia Vigue of Thomaston; and great-nephew, Drew Webber of Thomaston. A private celebration of his life will be held Sept. 4 at Village Cemetery, Thomaston. In lieu of flowers, his family request that donations be made in Billy’s memory to Coastal Workshop, P.O. Box 637, Camden, ME 04843. Arrangements are entrusted to Hall & Bibber Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 78 Main St., Thomaston.