HANCOCK and BAR HARBOR – Wilmer T. Barnes, 97, died May 26, 2006, at Sonogee Rehab & Living Center in Bar Harbor. He was born Nov. 16, 1908, in New Britain, Conn., the son of Luther M. and Annie (Bidwell) Barnes. During his childhood, his family owned a home on Hancock Point and Bill spent many memorable summers there. Bill attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He resided in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. and in 1931, founded W. T. Barnes, an antique restoration business, whose motto was, “Keeping Westchester Homes in Repair since 1931.” The business continues under his name to this day. Bill was an avid sailor and spent summers traveling the Long Island Sound and New England shore on his boat “Shadow.” When he retired in 1975, he fulfilled a life-long dream by returning to Hancock to live. He always busied himself with projects and will be remembered for the cannons he created for the Hancock town square. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Claire (French) Barnes in 1997. After the death of his wife, the members and friends of the Union Congregation Church in Hancock reached out to him with kindness and generosity. It enriched the last years of his life immeasurably. For this reason, the family requests that any memorial donations be made to Union Congregation UCC Church, P.O. Box 98, Hancock, ME 04640. Bill is survived by his son, Stephen S. Barnes and his wife, Lori, of Hackensack, N.J. Services will be private. Arrangements under the care of Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth.
WILMER T. BARNES
