HARRINGTON – Arnold Willey, 90, passed away peacefully Feb. 26, 2008, at Narraguagus Bay Health Care Facility. He was born Nov. 1, 1917, in Harrington, the son of Guy and Flora Willey. Arnold was a 1935 graduate of Harrington High School. Shortly after, he joined the U.S. Merchant Marines, serving from 1937 to 1974. As a merchant marine, he served under the U.S. Army during World War II and Vietnam as a chief engineer of steam vessels. After retirement, Arnold resided in his Spring River Lake cottage, later building his permanent home in Harrington. Arnold was a hardworking-caring man who had a big heart when it came to his family and friends, and had a special fondness for animals. As an outdoorsman, Arnold was an avid hunter, fisherman and snowmobiler, not to forget his love for the New York Yankees and his daily “High Ball” at 3 p.m. What filled most of his time and what many remember him for was the hard work and energy he put into his vegetable garden. In an attempt to stay active, Arnold worked endless hours to maintain and expand his garden; providing a generous supply of vegetables for many. He was a member of the Narraguagus Snowmobile Club, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and the Marine Engineer’s Beneficial Association. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Harmon Willey of Harrington and Clive Willey of Massachusetts. Arnold is survived by brother, Veranus Willey and wife, Lois, of Minnesota; sister, Edith Thomas and husband, Russell, of Minnesota; sister-in-law, Norma Willey of Harrington; sister-in-law, Marjorie Willey of Massachusetts; son, Barry Willey and wife, Terry, of Steuben; daughter, Wanda Halpin of Milbridge; six grandchildren, Todd Halpin of Arizona, Tiffanie Beaumont and husband, Jeff, of Massachusetts, Dennis Kinghorn of Milbridge, Heather Carver and husband, Judson IV, of Jonesport, Brittany Willey of Bangor, Tovan Willey of Bangor; as well as many nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren. Also, special thoughts go to Lisa Grant Carver who held a cherished place in his heart since she was a child and the caring staff and residents at Narraguagus Bay Health Care Facility. In his honor, a celebration will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, at Bragdon-Kelley-Campbell Funeral Home, Milbridge, where visiting hours will begin 10 a.m. A private spring interment at Forest Hills Cemetery, Harrington, will be announced at a later date. Those who wish to remember Arnold may send donations in his memory to either The Ark Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 276, Cherryfield, ME 04622 or Narraguagus Bay Health Care Facility, care of The Activity Fund, 3 Main St., Milbridge, ME 04658. www.bragdonkelley.com
ARNOLD W. WILLEY
