PRESQUE ISLE and FORT MYERS, Fla. – William C. Staples, 98, passed away Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010, at The Lakes Retirement Community, Fort Myers, Fla. He was a resident of Seven Lakes Golf Community. He was born Dec. 17, 1911, in Washburn, to Charles W. and Mary (Harris) Staples. He attended Washburn schools, graduating in the Class of 1928. He attended the University of Maine and as a young man, worked for Maine Potato Seed Inspection Service. He later joined his parents in founding C.W. Staples Co., which he operated for many years. He was a founder and former president of Northeast Packaging Co., Presque Isle. Bill was active in several organizations, including Presque Isle Country Club, Maritime Seniors Golf Association, Presque Isle Rotary Club and was a past master and life member of Aroostook Masonic Lodge No. 197, Mars Hill. He was a past director of Presque Isle Housing Authority and participated in several agricultural advisory committees throughout his career. After retiring to Florida, he was active in his Fort Myers golf community. His passions were golf and fly-fishing. He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Pearl Brown Staples; a son, Ronald C. Staples; his brother, Arthur Staples; and sister, Georgia Staples Nevers. He is survived by two daughters, Sharon McDougal and her husband, Dean, of Bath and Donna Umphrey and her husband, Robert, of Presque Isle; five grandchildren, Nancy Staples of Caribou, William McDougal of Brunswick, Michael McDougal of Bath, Stephanie McDougal of Dresden and Annie Umphrey Collins of Bangor; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle. Masonic memorial services will be conducted 12:30 p.m. by officers and members of Aroostook Masonic Lodge No. 197, with funeral services afterward conducted by the Rev. Larry Palmer. A reception for guests will then be held in the reception area of the funeral home. Interment will be at Crouseville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the William and Pearl Staples Scholarship Fund, University of Maine at Presque Isle Foundation, 181 Main St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Online condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.
WILLIAM C. STAPLES
