LAMOINE – William D. “Bill” Pinkham, 62, finished his final race unexpectedly Monday, July 4, 2005, in Bangor. He was born Sept. 20, 1942, in Steuben, the son of Carlton L. and Julia (Dyer) Pinkham. Bill was a Marine Patrol Officer for 20 years, serving as Chief of the Maine Marine Patrol for three of those years. After his retirement, he worked as a loan officer for Bar Harbor Banking and Trust, and then operated his own courier service for banks. In 1994, Bill successfully ran on the Republican ticket for Representative of House District No. 132 and was re-elected three times consecutively, retiring from politics in 2002. As a representative, he was proud to serve his constituents in a personal manner and earned the respect of Republicans and Democrats alike. At the time of his death, Bill was employed as a deputy for the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. Bill took an interest in running during the late 1970’s and was a very passionate participant in the sport since then. He has competed in countless road races over the years, traveling to events across the state to compete. Bill was a fixture at races, where he was well known and loved by fellow racers and spectators. His familiar white hair, fashioned in a “flat top,” was easily recognized and remembered by all who encountered him. Bill will be long remembered and sorely missed by his former co-workers, fellow legislators, running companions, innumerable friends, and most of all, his beloved family. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Amelia J. (Hawkins) Pinkham, of Lamoine; three children, Karen Hall and her husband, Duane, of Brewer, and their children, Ian and Rylie, Jeffrey W. Pinkham of Hancock, and Connie Wallace and her husband, Rick, of Lamoine, and their children, Isaac, Ivy, and Ella; five brothers, Carroll Pinkham and his wife, Edna, of Manset, Vernon, Pinkham of Steuben, Earl Pinkham and his wife, Terrie, of Steuben, Rodney Pinkham and his wife, Marion, of Hancock, and Carlton Pinkham Jr. and his wife, Judy, of Steuben; a sister, Vivian Dean and her husband, Lawrence, of South Portland; a sister-in-law, Gloria Parker of Milbridge and her sons, Ricky Parker and Donny Parker and his wife, Katie; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be missed by his beloved feline friend, Cadie the Cat. Bill was predeceased by his parents; his stepmother, Emma Pinkham, who raised him from the time he was an infant; and two brothers, Herbert and Ivan Pinkham. Friends are invited to visit with the family 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the Bragdon-Kelley-Campbell Funeral Home, 215 Main St., Ellsworth. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, July 8, at the Ellsworth High School Auditorium, 299 State St., Ellsworth, with the Rev. Dr. Bob Crosthwaite officiating. Private interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Lamoine. Gifts in memory of Bill may be sent to establish the Bill Pinkham Scholarship Fund, care of Bar Harbor Banking and Trust, 137 High St., Ellsworth, ME 04605, or to the animal shelter of one’s choice. A memorial register and directions are available online at Legacy.com.
WILLIAM D. ‘BILL’ PINKHAM
