WILLIAM MASON TRASK

OLD ORCHARD BEACH William Mason Trask “Billy T,” 51, died unexpectedly Sept. 1, 2006, at his home. He was born in 1955, in Caribou, and was the beloved child of the late Rev. Joseph Mason Trask and Elizabeth MacDonald Trask of Southwest Harbor. He attended Lenox School, winning the G. Gardner Monks Award and graduated from Vermont Academy, winning the Shanaham Cup. He graduated from Nasson College with a Bachelor’s of Art in political science in 1978, earning the Senior Cup for outstanding leadership and scholarship. He worked for Honeywell, Inc. and later for the Department of Defense on the “Star Wars Project,” doing security work in Kwajalien, Marshall Islands. Bill was also employed as human resources manager for James River Corp., Old Town and for General Signal Corp., Pittsfield. During the middle to late 1980s, he was employed at Liberty Mutual and Gallagher-Bassett Services, both in Portland. Bill was very interested and active in politics, working on several political campaigns. He also tirelessly fought for equal rights for the mentally ill in federal court and in the Maine Legislature, which made him a pioneer for the mentally ill. The light of his life were his twin children, Robert and Elizabeth, whom he was very proud of and loved dearly. He was a very caring and involved dad, and was always there to cheer on his kids. He never missed a game or school event and also coached basketball, baseball and volunteered with his son’s Boy Scout troop. Bill always loved to entertain and his barbecues were not to be missed. He enjoyed his summer and times in the beautiful nature of Mount Desert Island. Some of his favorite activities included hiking, fishing, golfing and being with friends and family. Bill passionately loved the Boston Red Sox from the age of five until the day he died. He could always be seen proudly wearing a Red Sox hat or jacket. Trips to a Red Sox game with Bill were adventures not to be forgotten. While traveling on the turnpike, many times he would pay the toll for the car behind him as an act of kindness that he enjoyed. On trips to Boston, a stop at the Hilltop Steak House was a must and a stop at Kowloon’s was essential on the way home. He insisted on arriving at Fenway Park at least three hours before game start in order to mingle with the crowds. He was always an enthusiastic fan and to be sitting near Bill in the stands was a hoot for all. He was a trivia buff of sports and American history. His heroes were John Wayne and Red Sox legend Tony Conigliaro, whose life and times were admired by Bill for his tenacity and resilience. Bill lived his life to the fullest and his strong faith in God helped him through many dark times. He is now at peace. Bill is survived by his twin children, Robert Joseph and Elizabeth Mary; and his former wife and friend, Suzanne Lord Trask, all of Austin Street, Westbrook. He also leaves several aunts, uncles and cousins on Mount Desert Island and in Massachusetts. Visiting hours will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the Jordan-Fernald Funeral Homes, Mount Desert Island. A funeral mass will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Southwest Harbor. Bill had many friends and business associates throughout the state of Maine. A celebration of life is planned 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at DiMillo’s Restaurant, Portland. At the request of William, in lieu of flowers, those who wish may make gifts and donations in William’s memory to a college trust fund for his children, Robert and Elizabeth, Ocean Communities FCU, P.O. Box 304, 2 Cascade Road, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064.