William Harrison Cole

SIDNEY -- William Harrison "Bill" Cole, 72, longtime resident of Sidney passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Unit, in Waterville with his wife, family and friends at his side.

Bill was born in Gardiner April 13, 1937, the son of Donald W. and Burtina (Bailey) Cole.

Bill's life was full and robust, with more excitement rolled into a life than most. His formal education began in Farmingdale at the Burns School, a one-room, eight-grade facility, and was completed at Gardiner High School in 1956.

As a sailor for the United States Navy Seabees, a dairy farmer, logger, builder and developer, he made a way for his growing family while he and his wife instilled a work ethic to the next generation, a job they took very seriously as those who called him "Dad" or "Boss" will confirm. He loved the land he worked with and those who joined him in the enterprise. Friends remember him as sharp, fearless, colorful and someone who could be counted on for anything. He was rather famous for giving large responsibilities to those he raised and coached, and a score of neighborhood children followed his lead in similar fields of interest. He loved to hunt, travel and break a good pair of oxen. He could laugh at and with his friends, as well as at himself. He was a dominant presence wherever he went and the first one there when a need was known (also, advice was free). We miss him and "entrust him to a faithful Creator who does all things well."

Mr. Cole was predeceased by his father, Donald W. Cole.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nancy L. Cole; son Dale Cole and his wife, Nancy; son Donald Cole and his wife, Alanna; son William Cole and his wife, Lisa; daughter Wendy Brazz and her husband, Douglas; his beloved mother, Burtina Thompson; brother Norman Cole and his wife, Jean; sister Sandra Spencer and her husband, Ronald; a special aunt, Nancy Patterson and her husband, David; as well as 21 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his beloved dog, Izzy; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Bill's life will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. Relatives and friends may visit for one hour prior to the service. A gathering for family and friends will take place at the home of Donald Cole, 2506 Middle Road, Sidney, after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Log a Load for Kids Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, care of Cheryl Russell, 22 Main St., Lake Mall, Suite 3, Lincoln, ME 04457; or the Maine Draft Horse and Ox Association, P.O. Box 26, New Sharon, ME 04955.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.khrfuneral homes.com