Corey Gilding was an accomplished writer, graphic artist and designer who worked for publications such as The Independent newspaper in Windham and the Lewiston Auburn Magazine.
Though his work was an important part of his life, nothing surpassed his love for family and friends, and his rescue dog, Lex, his parents said.
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He died Wednesday at Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts, after a long illness. He was 36.
Mr. Gilding was remembered by his parents Monday as a kind, caring and compassionate man who had a passion for life.
He graduated from Windham High School in 1997 and went on to the University of Southern Maine, where he graduated in 2002, according to his Facebook page.
His obituary, which is published in Tuesday’s newspaper, says he was a former owner and co-publisher of the local weekly newspaper, the Windham Independent, now called The Independent. He held various roles including writing, editing, design and layout. He worked there until January 2014.
His mother, Zeena Watkins of Casco, said he dedicated himself to his craft and giving residents a quality newspaper each week.
“He never missed getting a newspaper out,” his mother said. “In July 2013, he went into the hospital for eight days. He had his friend bring in his computers and he put together the newspaper from his hospital bed. He was so committed to getting the job done.”
During that period, he also worked part time at Lewiston Auburn Magazine as a graphic artist, layout designer and writer. He left in early 2014 when the magazine shut down.
“He loved the magazine,” his mother said. ” It was just so beautiful, … so classy.”
Another hallmark of his life was working at Corsetti’s Variety and Market in Windham. He started there when he was about 16 and worked on and off until December, when he went into the hospital.
“Our hearts are heavy. We have lost a member of our Corsetti’s Market family way too soon,” said a post from the store’s Facebook page.
Mr. Gilding had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed camping and fishing. Last summer, he stayed at his mother’s camper at Tricky Pond in Naples with his dog. She visited her son often.
“It was the most special bonding time we had in 20 years,” she said. “We would sit up and play cribbage and have campfires. Corey and I had a wonderful time. It was the most wonderful summer of his adult life. I never imagined it would be his last summer.”
His father, Robert Gilding of Windham, recalled when they went fishing in northern Maine and went to watch the Portland Sea Dogs and Boston Red Sox.
“He was the best. Corey was the type of person (who) left an indelible impression on everyone he met,” his father said. “His moral compass was beyond reproach. He was never judgmental. The way he lived his life was the way we should all aspire to live. He was a great kid. He was a bright light.”
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