MACHIASPORT – Captain William “Bill” Holmes Sr., 88, passed away at his home in Machiasport, surrounded by his loving family Oct. 29, 2005, after a period of declining health. He was born Feb. 9, 1917, in Machiasport, a son of Cyrus W. and Nettie Pettegrow Holmes. He and his beloved wife, Laura Foss Holmes have lived in Machiasport since they married 65 years ago. During World War II, Bill served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard, ferrying munitions and fuel to Europe. For 36 years he was the Captain of many sardine carriers including the “Onawa”, and the “Woiee” in his home town and then for many years he piloted carriers in the Rockland area including the “Pauline”, the “Quick Step II”, the “Double Eagle: and his last carrier, the “Jacob Pike”. Bill was also an avid hunter, especially loving to track wild cats with his hunting dogs in fresh fallen snow, along with his longtime friend and hunting companion, the late Cliff Elder. He is survived by his wife, Laura; two sons, William Jr. and wife, Judy, of Machiasport and Danual and his wife, Lois, of Cutler; two daughters, Laurie Stone and husband, Fred, of North Whitefield and Mary Donaghy and husband, Eddie, of Machiasport; six grandchildren, David and Douglas Holmes, Julie Hixson and Justin Erickson of Machiasport, Heather Philbrook of Randolph, Christopher Tucceri of Portland; and 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Lorena Fontaine of Spring Hill, Fla. and one brother, Cyrus Holmes, Jr. and wife, Carleen, of Cushing. A private service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, at his home in Machiasport with his son, Pastor William Holmes Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Machiasport. Arrangements are in care of McClure Family Funeral Service, Lubec. Home is the hunter, home from the hill, and the sailor home from the sea.
CAPT. WILLIAM T. HOLMES SR.
