LYMAN — William Laurence “Bill” Darling, 63, of Lyman, died peacefully late Thursday evening, Nov. 13, 2014 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, following years of declining health.
He was born in Melrose, Massa-chusetts on April 23, 1951, a son of Claude William Darling Jr. and Isa (Clisby) Darling.
He grew up in Malden, Massachusetts, where he was educated. Following high school, he enrolled at Northeastern University in the School of Business.
He met his future wife, the former Janice Bradeen, while he was on his coop job at the Prudential Building in Boston. They were married in 1972 and graduated together in 1974.
Bill then began a long career in banking, working at Century Bank. He moved to Maine in 1975, and began working at Casco Bank, which eventually became the Bank of Boston. He was then transferred back to Boston to work at the home office. Bill commuted daily, leaving his family to live in Maine, which he loved. Bill then accepted a job with Kennebunk Savings Bank, so he could be with his family. He worked there for nearly 18 years being head of mortgage lending for much of that time, before retiring for health issues.
In earlier years, when daughters, Laura and Amanda, were in school, Bill was a fixture at every event in which they were involved. Whether dance or gymnastic meets, he was there for each and every one. He also loved to spend time with the grandchildren, but regretted not being able to spend quality “Papa” time with them due to his illness.
He was active in Lyman town government, serving on the budget committee for several years. He loved being a volunteer at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford.
A banker and educator, Bill wrote and edited the American Institute of Banking textbooks. He taught for 25 years, more than 1,000 students the principles, law and joy of banking. He was an innovator, leader, and educator in the field Banking. He was also a fan of the transportation industry, especially buses and trains. He had a love of cats, and owned several over the years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: his siblings, Doris Miller in 2014 and Eugene Darling in 2008.
He is survived by: his loving wife of 42 years, Jan Darling of Lyman; two daughters, Laura Darling-Bako and husband Louis of Worcester, Massachusetts and Amanda Roy and husband Brian of Lyman; and three grandchildren, Lukas Bako, and twins Megan and Alexa Roy.
Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014 from 5-7 p.m. at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Goodwin Mills United Methodist Church in Lyman with Rev. Dr. Debra Hanson officiating. Should friends choose, memorial donations in his name are encouraged to: Friends of Feral Felines, 651 Forest Ave., Portland, ME 04101. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. www.bibberfuneral.com.
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