TURNER – Keith Blaine Willard, 67, passed away Oct. 14, 2007, at Maine Medical Center, Portland. Born July 3, 1940, in Lewiston, the son of Dwight B. and Arline Grant Willard. He was a graduate of the University of Maine in Orono, where he earned a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Education and a Certificate of Advanced Study. He was also recognized as an associate professor emeritus of Business Education. Keith taught and coached in Maine and Ohio, and then came to the University of Maine – Machias in 1970, where he was an instructor and a coach. Keith was the coordinator of Student Activities for five years. He helped establish the Recreation Management Program in 1976. He was the last original faculty member in Recreation Management. He served with distinction in many key roles; he was the chair of the Business Division, one of the original directors of Cooperative Education, and the faculty athletics representative for 12 years. He served on the executive board of MRPA and in 1976 was recognized as one of “Maine’s Most Prominent People.” He was a member and past president of the Rotary Club, receiving the Distinguished Award, “Paul Harris Fellow.” He was also member of the Masonic Lodge, Machias, the Washington County Shrine Club, Anah Temple Shrine and past president of the Maine Recreation & Park Association. Keith was a scholar, athlete, sportsman, gardener, avid hunter, he was excited to learn he was selected for a moose permit after 27 years of being in the lottery, friend, teacher, coach, husband, father and grandfather, “Papa,” who will be deeply missed. He was predeceased by his parents; and his beloved mother-in-law, Hazel Tibbetts Carignan. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Alayne M. Carignan Willard; a son, Thomas Blaine Willard and wife, Lauren, of Brockton, Mass.; four daughters, Catherine Healy and husband, Tim, of Engle-wood, Fla., Ramona Sutherland and husband, Bruce, of Gorham, Kimberly Williams and husband, David, of Charlotte, Tenn., and Betsy Hayward and husband, Peter, of Cumberland; and 13 grandchildren, Meghan, Amanda and Andrew Willard, Anna and Kate Healy, Billy, Amy, Nicole Sutherland, T.J. Zwingle, Heather and Maranda Williams and Abby and Emma Hayward. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at Windham Hill United Church of Christ, 140 Windham Center Road, Windham. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, at Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, Windham. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery, Farmington, immediately after the reception at Windham Hill United Church of Christ, Windham. For those wishing to donate in Keith’s memory, may do so by sending donations to University of Maine – Machias, Development Office, Recreation Management Program, 9 Obrien Ave., Machias, ME 04654.
KEITH BLAINE WILLARD
