Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
About
William Hemeon Obituary
Born and raised in Lynn, he was the son of the late Byron and Caroline (Stanley) Hemeon. He was a direct descendant of the Mayflower. He graduated from Malden High School, attended art school in Boston, and was a cartoonist before serving in the Navy during World War II as a captain with the Honolulu Police Department. After the war, he worked for the Walt Disney Studios in California.
He traveled extensively throughout the U.S., the Pacific Islands, South East Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa. He built, owned and operated a number of motels, the Colonial Country Store and the Music Box Theater, all in the town of Yarmouth, as well as built homes in the Hyannisport area. He and his family owned and operated resort hotels in Lenox, and on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
He had a lifelong passion for reading, travel, art, nature, Native American history and tennis. He was a 10-gallon donor for the American Red Cross, a volunteer for American Heart Association, and the JFK museum in Hyannis.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Elizabeth J. (Simpkins) Hemeon; three devoted children, Jan Elizabeth Hemeon and her husband George T. Abbott of Barnstable, Scott William Hemeon and his wife Ann Lewis Hemeon of Newport, R.I., and Gretchen Caroline Hemeon and her husband M. Judson Graham Jr. of Dennis. He was predeceased by a son, Bradford Robbins Hemeon, formerly of Thailand, who died in 1993. Additionally, he is survived by his six beloved grandchildren, Amanda and Caroline Abbott, Coleman, Addison, and Campbell Graham, and Miel Hemeon. He is also survived by several brothers and sisters-in-law as well as 25 nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m., in the Unitarian Church, Route, 6A, Barnstable. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 7 p.m., in the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in his name may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601, or The Bradford Robbins Hemeon Scholarship Fund, c/o Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School Department, 296 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA 02664.
For more information, go to www.hallettfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tobin Wirt
October 31, 2007
We are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We thorougly enjoyed Bill's kindness and sincerity and sense of humor. Bob King and I are traveling and unfortunately can not be there for the service. Our hearts and thoughts go out to áll the family. Bob and Tobin
Stephen Thomas
October 27, 2007
Scott, Ann, Miel and the Hemeon Family,
I had the honor of meeting your father on the dance floor at your wedding on that beautiful day in Maine. My wish for you all is that this time of remembering your father be as celebratory now as it was then.
Peace and Love to you all,
Mary Childress
October 26, 2007
I remember so well meeting Mr. Hemeon - what a wonderful caring man. I know the love of a dad to his girls - and I know that your dad, Gretchen and Jan, made you laugh and smile. You will always have those wonderful memories to cherish and warm your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bradford Weston III
October 26, 2007
Mr. Hemeon was, is and will always be a great man. His loss is simply huge. Trying to face his loss at this time is simply too much for me and for that reason I focus on the fact that he is still very much alive in my heart.
Rather than focus on my sadness, I try to focus on the happiness that Mr. Hemeon brought into our lives; mostly by his hard work and sheer determination during his entire life.
I grew up with the wonderful Hemeon family and Mr. Hemeon. My late father, Bradford Weston Jr. and he were close friends for many years, as were our families.
I was referred to as "Little Brad" by Mr. Hemeon to avoid confusion and the name fondly stuck. If you knew Mr. Hemeon or even knew of him you know that he was an incredibly intelligent and successful man. But in equal portion he was also gentle, easy going, reflective; introspective and had the best sense of humor around (a trait which he passed on to his son Scott Hemeon who is my good buddy to this day.)
A few months before he passed away Mr. and Mrs. Hemeon sent me a large painted eagle which hangs above my doorway in my house in California today. They sent it in response to my interest in a similar eagle which I remember being in their household/motel lobby during the time I was growing up.
Everyday when I leave my home and walk under that eagle I think of how wonderful Mr. Hemeon and the Hemeon family are and how wonderful it was to grow up with them.
I try to remain positive during this time of very deep sadness by looking at the positive and reflecting on the good.
Mr. Hemeon is now in heaven and at peace with himself. He is with his good friend Brad Jr. and his late son Brad Hemeon and I bet the three are having a blast.
Mr. Hemeon was always concerned, first and foremost, about his family and those he loved. I know he worried about the effect his passing would have on those close to him. And fondly and warmly I wonder if Brad Jr., Brad Hemeon and Mr. Hemeon all got together after his passing and together arranged with the Big Man Upstairs for the Redsox to be in the World Series-just to ease our pain a bit during our time of sadness.
Thanks Mr. Hemeon for being so wonderful. We all miss you.
Little Brad
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
scott frisoli
October 25, 2007
Everyone who knew Bill Hemeon quickly understood that he was a natural born leader that success followed easily. Bill wore many hats: and well. He exuded charisma and invariably accomplished superb financial results wherever he applied himself. I looked up to and was enamored by Bill.
But, my greatest respect is reserved for the love and compassion that ultimately defined Bill. He braved the unbearable discomfort of being the first family friend to visit our home on the day we heard my brother Jack had died in a car accident. Bill looked me in the eye; tears welled up, and embraced me in a way that let me know that somehow life would be ok and that he understood. That moment galvanized a newfound respect and love for Bill that I’ll always cherish.
Denise Sharkey
October 24, 2007
Scott, Ann and the Hemeon Family,
My sympathy goes out to all of you during this time of loss. I remember your dad was a wonderful man and his life will be remembered by all.
Denise Sharkey
LeeAnn Koumantzelis
October 24, 2007
It has been an honor & a tremendous pleasure to have been so welcomed into the Hemeon family. Bill was an extraordinary man. I only knew him a short time as compared to many, but in that short time I was graced with his knowledge, kindness, love and conversation. I will miss him greatly & will remember him with love & share my few stories with his grandchildren in honor of his memory.
Tom Prendergast
October 24, 2007
Dear
Betty,Jan Scott and Gretchen,
Even with a heavy heart I can't help but smile. Thirty years of
exposure to Bill's geniune warmth and humor can do that. I know you are all finding comfort in his love for and pride in each of you.
Barb,Tommy,Bethany and I are thinking of you during this sad time.
Love, Tommy
Roxie and George ogilvie
October 24, 2007
He was a very nice gentle man and very interesting to talk to. We had a great time last year visiting him and Betty. We will miss his visits to Calif. Our love and prayers to all the family.
Anne Gannon
October 24, 2007
Dear Betty, Jan, Gretchen and Scott,
Bill had a strong influence on our lives and career paths, for that we are very grateful. We have many fond memories of family, work, vacations and laughter. You are fortunate to have had Bill for so many years and he was lucky to live to see his family grow and prosper and to see his children's children.
With love and sympathy, Peter and Anne
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in William Hemeon's name
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Hemeon's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
