Matthew Barber Wilder of Boothbay Harbor died November 1, 2015 surrounded by his family.

He was born in 1946 in South Bend, Indiana to Sam and Joan (Hinds) Wilder. Matt grew up in Madison, Connecticut on Long Island Sound and enjoyed summer vacations with his grandparents in Southwest Harbor. He was always happiest on the water.

Matt served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1972, including a year in Vietnam. Following basic training, he married Katharine Haselton of Short Hills, New Jersey. Following his discharge from the Navy, Matt and Kay moved to Maine, eventually settling in Boothbay Harbor.

Matt worked as a welder at Bath Iron Works, Edward Gamage Shipbuilding, and from his own shop, Wilder Welding. While working at Sheepscot Machine Works, he earned his USCG Captain's license and started Lucky Star Charters for summer fishing enthusiasts. In 2001, Matt and Kay purchased the Lakeview Inn in West Boothbay Harbor. In 2006, they sold the hotel to the current owners, leaving Matt free to spend his summers happily sailing, cruising, or just tinkering with boats.

Matt is survived by his wife Kay of Boothbay Harbor; daughter, Pam Wilder and her husband Chris Markus of Berkeley, California; son, Matthew Wilder of Brunswick; and grandchildren, Miles Markus, Henry Markus and Ella Wilder. He is also survived by two sisters, Susan Lemonds (David) of Charlotte, North Carolina and Allison Goodman (Wes) of Grayson, Georgia.

He was predeceased by his parents and brother, George Clifton Wilder.

A private family memorial will be held next summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Miles & St. Andrews Home Health & Hospice, 40 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta, ME 04543.

Hall’s of Boothbay has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences, light a candle for Matt, or to share a story or pictures, visit his Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.