MACHIAS – William “Billy” Harden, 67, beloved husband of Dorothy F. Harden died Thursday, June 23, 2011, surrounded by his loving family at a Bangor hospital. He was born Sept. 11, 1943, on Beals Island, son of the late William Harden and Ernestine Beal Alley.
Bill attended local schools and married the love of his life, Dorothy “Dottie” Foss, Aug. 28, 2004. He was a marine harvester and lobster fisherman. Bill owned and operated his own business, Harden Bait & Shellfish Co. He had his brown belt in karate and was a friend of Bill W. for more than 40 years, sharing his message of hope and love. Bill was famous for saying, “You get out of this program what you put into it.” Bill was a member of Advent Church, Beals. He was loved and respected by his many friends, including Roger and Barbara Libby, Dale Thompson, Squeaky, Dot and Randy Blackwood, Raymond Burke and Paul Thompson, Penny Perry, Rose Williams and Cathy Alley, Doreen, Sonya Hall and many more.
Bill was predeceased by a daughter, Rebecca Anne; a son, Todd Anthony; grandparents, George and Emma Beal; his mother and stepfather, John Alley; and a special aunt, Etta Kelley. Bill is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Machias; one daughter, Tanya Berry and husband, Michael, of Harrington; a son, Daniel Harden of Beals; stepson, Matthew Foss of York, Pa.; one brother, Frank Alley of Jonesport; four sisters, Gay Crowley and husband, Troy, of Beals, Linda Tarr and husband, Frank, of Portland, Shirley Alley of China, and Diana Moore of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Chris, Lauren and Alex Berry of Harrington, Hali Jordyn Foss of York, Pa., Stephen Harden of Machias and Teddy Stevens of Ellsworth; mother-in-law, Florence Foss; brother-in-law, Robert “Bubba” Foss of Machias; cousins, George Woodward of Beals, Ardis and Bill Tibbetts of Augusta, and Arnold Kelley of Augusta; aunt, Iona Woodward of Jonesport; a stepdaughter, Amy Taylor of Sullivan; stepson, James Leighton of Milbridge; many nieces and nephews.
Donations may be made in Bill’s name to Robert & Mary’s Place, P.O. Box 1533, Ellsworth, ME 04605. There will a graveside service 2 p.m. Friday, July 1, at Sewall Field Cemetery, Beals Island, with Pastor George Woodward officiating. A reception will be afterward at Advent Christian Parish House, Beals Island. Condolences may be made online at
www.bragdonkelley.com.