NORTHPORT – Wilfred A. “Bill” Banks, 87, died Monday, July 7, 2008, at Waldo County General Hospital, Belfast. He was born Jan. 5, 1921, in Liberty, the son of Charles M. and Hannah (Bagley) Banks. Bill graduated from Morse Memorial High, Brooks and during World War II served as an aircraft mechanic in the Pacific Theater. Upon his return home, he married Marilyn Rhodes, and they had two children, Wayne and Linda. They moved to Connecticut and Bill worked at Pratt-Whitney Aircraft for 25 years. On his return to Maine, he settled in Northport and was a partner at Banks Brothers Machine Shop for several years. Bill was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He dearly loved camping, fishing, motorcycling, snowmobiling and travelling. After he retired, he and Marilyn traveled extensively in the U.S. and Alaska, and the stories he told and pictures he shared attested to that fact for sure. Bill was predeceased by his parents; and his wife, Marilyn. He is survived by his son, Wayne and wife, Kathy, and their sons, Nathan and Adam; and by his daughter, Linda and her son, Christopher; his brothers, Richard and wife, Evelyn, and Robert and wife, Edith; sisters, Merle Potter, Marie Weymouth; and many nieces and nephews who all fondly remember their Uncle Bill. Many tall tales will attest to that. This previous winter and spring Bill learned the game of Scrabble and played frequently with his sisters and niece, Carroll Watmough. He really enjoyed it and even played a few games during his short stay in the hospital. Bill loved the outdoors throughout his long life and as recently as Father’s Day, had hiked the Appalachian Trail to see Gulf Hagas, something he had really wanted to see while he still could. Those and other memories keep all of us remembering him as he will always remain in our lives and thoughts. The family expresses their appreciation for the compassionate care Bill received from the doctors, nurses and staff at Waldo County General Hospital during his stay. Family and friends are invited to call 1-2 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast, with a graveside service after at Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Ken Parker officiating. Those who wish may send condolences to Linda Banks, 85 Oxcart Lane, Pisgah Forrest, NC 28768 or to Wayne Banks, 174 America Way, Jamestown, RI 02835.
WILFRED A. ‘BILL’ BANKS
