William Booth

It's hard to believe that it has been eight years since Bill's death. For me he has remained very much present every time I get into a canoe or hike a mountain that he explored or sweep the Birdsacre board walk he worked so hard to make a reality. And as I get older I see Bill as a model of how to approach old age. Whether it was publishing another volume of poetry, embracing advocacy for reparations to First Nations people, planning another garden or literally pushing to climb another mountain, he continued to surround himself with new people, new ideas and new challenges, to reach beyond himself and the present. I have so many memories of our times together--both really hard work as a volunteer MGV and great outings by canoe and by foot that could end hilariously (as with one notable 'big splash' when Bill exited the canoe less than gracefully). I continue to treasure each one of those memories and count myself very fortunate to have known him.

I was saddened to read of Bill's passing. I have known him for the past thirty years as a customer of my Organic Garden Supply in Town Hill. He knew a lot about gardening and loved doing it, even at Birch Bay where he's been in these later years. Just a few weeks ago he came to the store to replace a small measuring tape he liked to keep in his pocket.It was great to see him out and about. He'll be missed and well-remembered.

So sorry. The wheel of life cannot be stopped nor should it. I hope you can take comfort knowing that Zilpha and Bill were icons of Bar Harbor for many years. They will live on in our memories.

Wonderfully written. I'm sure your dad would be proud to have you as his daughter. You will meet again.

Hal, Elaine and Jimmy,

I greatly regret that I cannot be there for Bill's memorial service. Bill was such a good friend and organized such wonderful expeditions for us from day-long canoe trips to mountain hikes and much of what I learned about really enjoying the out of doors I learned from him. I will miss sharing garden plans with him, but will also remember him when I visit Birdsacre and am reminded of how that particular garden plan turned out. I hope his poetry will figure in the memorial service as he was a fine poet capable of drawing from nature to bring meaning to challenging human experiences like this. My sincere condolences to you all.

Elaine,Mandy,Josh and family,We're so sorry to hear such sad news....He sure sounded like a very special man!You're all in our thoughts and prayers.God bless.

Harold and Dan, I know you will miss him, but what a gift he and your mother left for you. They will always be a part of you and leave many wonderful memories.
with love to you both.

Hal, your dad sounds like a wonderful man. And the apple didn't fall far from the tree.

We were neighbors down the hill for eight years. Bill and Zilpha Booth left a strong impression on me and I cannot think of one without the other. They lived the principles of their faith and reached out to others with a helping hand quietly and with purpose--even to a young parent with a "problem child," trying to figure it all out. They were truly wonderful people and I'm grateful to have known them.

My sincere condolences to you and your families,

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Reverend Booth married Ralph and I almost 50 years ago in Greenville. Comfort and Peace. Kay York Johnson

Elaine and Family -
What a wonderful remembrance of a life well lived. Sending thoughts and prayers your way. I always enjoyed hearing about your folks over the years, Elaine, especially your dad these past few years.

The Booth family: It was our privilege to serve in Congregational ministry in Maine with Bill. What a great example he was for us..striving for humility, appreciating God's creation, and stretching our minds in conversation and study. We ask God to heal you in your journey without Bill and look forward to the meeting in the "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens".

Elaine, Harold and Jimmy,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. He truly was one of the world's best people, as was your mom. He and Zilpha and all of you children were a special part of my family's life in Greenville. My husband,Paul, and I were especially lucky to reconnect with your parents when they moved to Bar Harbor and we were living in the Ellsworth area. Our hearts go out to you all. Certainly a light went out in the world on November 10th but there'll be a shining one coming from above.
Paul and Melissa (Cantara) Frye