Todd Williams, of East Boothbay, died peacefully on October 3, 2013 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital in New Hampshire after a long struggle with lymphoma and leukemia. His family was by his side. Todd faced his illness with his characteristic composure, practicality, stoicism and wonderful sense of humor.

His 68-year journey was filled with adventure, passionate interests, countless friendships and time with his family, who he considered his greatest gift and legacy.

Todd was born March 14, 1945 to Frank “Bud” and Katherine “Kay” Williams at Stewart Air Force Base, Newburgh, N.Y. He grew up in Pines Lake in northern New Jersey and the Palos Verdes area of Los Angeles, Calif. He spent happy summers in Maine at two family cottages, one in Pemaquid and the other in East Boothbay on Linekin Bay.

Throughout his high school years Todd was proud to serve as a crew member aboard the windjammerVictory Chimes under Captain Boyd Guild. He graduated from Wayne Senior High School in New Jersey in 1963.

After attending the University of Miami for one semester Todd enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1964 at the urging of his older brother, Fritz.

His cruises aboard the aircraft carrier USS America in Fighter Squadron VF-33 took him to Italy, Greece, Turkey and other exotic locations where he cultivated his tastes for incredible food, music and adventure.

Relics and stories of these years, such as a watch he purchased aboard ship, remained dear to him throughout his life.

Upon his discharge from the Navy in 1968 Todd attended the University of Connecticut on the GI Bill where he studied graphic arts. In 1972, he moved to East Boothbay, where he enjoyed working as a carpenter for several years before signing on as a draftsman and machinist for Twin Rivers Engineering in East Boothbay.

In 1978, Todd joined a start-up company, Sheepscot Machine Works in Southport. In that same year he bought an 1850s cape style home on Ocean Point Road where he raised his family with his wife Berry who he married in 1981.

As growth continued at Sheepscot Machine, Todd participated in product development and production and ultimately transitioned into sales and marketing where his love of connecting with people served him well. He spent the remainder of his career developing marketing programs as well as national and international sales networks. He retired in 2011 as Sales Manager.

Todd was active in Scouting first in his early life as a Boy Scout and Sea Scout and later as Scoutmaster of Den 1, Troop 271, of which his son Alex was a member. He was instrumental in the formation of the first Technology Fair held at Boothbay Region Elementary School, an event in which local firms were invited to exhibit and demonstrate current technologies to grade school students.

He helped research and establish Boothbay's first recycling program, currently one of the most active and successful in Maine. He later served as a board member for the region’s waste management facility.

Todd was a man of numerous abilities and interests. Once again at the suggestion of his brother he joined the Navy Choir which led to a lifelong passion for music. He had an uncanny ability to play different musical instruments without training. Throughout his life he had a deep and abiding love of jazz and passed that love on to his children. He was also a gifted photographer. Having studied graphic design he had an eye for color and detail.

One of his favorite pastimes was working in his woodshop, among his incredible collection of tools, fixing a door or drawer, listening to jazz or NPR, making lots of sawdust. Gardening and landscaping projects brought him great joy along with spending time at the family summer cottage in East Boothbay, rocking on the porch with coffee watching the goings on of Linekin Bay.

Todd’s life was always centered on his family and friends. He loved cooking and experimenting with recipes such as paella. He was deeply curious and would research various subjects from antique cars to painting and architecture, then share what he had learned in his famous daily emails to family and friends. Chatting was also a passion; at the bank or supermarket, or on the phone with his kids. As his illness progressed he began meeting with other cancer patients and sharing stories to help them feel connected. Until the last he maintained an active online scrabble game with his beloved sister Abbie.

Besides his parents, Todd was predeceased by his brother Fritz Williams and nephew Nathan Williams of Center Tuftonboro, N.H.

He is survived by his wife, Berry, of East Boothbay; son, Alex of Brooklyn, N.Y.; daughter, Abby of Portland; sister and brother-in-law, Abbie Williams and Bob Mullin of Nobleboro; aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews, extended family and many beloved friends.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to bethematch.org National Marrow Donor Program.

A memorial service will be held next summer at a date to be determined.

You are invited to share your condolences, memories, and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories page at www.hallfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington, and Hall, Boothbay.