On May 4, 2023, Bill Wylie, 72, of Boothbay passed away while in hospice care at Sussman House in Rockport.  His passing ended a courageous, years-long battle with cancer.

As his heartbroken life partner Bill Kirby said in a message, the two were best friends and partners for 51 years and they shared the best and some of the most difficult times which made for a perfect balance. Their long partnership was an achievement in itself.

Bill Wylie was born in Jarretttown, Pennsylvania and attended Villanova University.  He worked in Ambler, Pennsylvania as a chemical operator mixing agricultural chemicals for Am Chem.

“The Bills” as they are affectionately known to their many friends moved to the Boothbay area from Pennsylvania in 1988 and have happily pet parented more than a dozen cats over the years, including current housemates  Daphne and Buckwheat.

Bill Wylie loved history, visiting Civil War sites around the country. A good cook, he enjoyed the theater, gardening and working in the yard, crafts and spending time with his family when they came to visit. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Wayne.

Happiest at home in Maine, Bill was well-loved in town, offering help to anyone who needed it and he loved to sit and talk with people. He was a quiet man with a great sense of humor who loved a good joke. He was unassuming and approachable and a loyal friend.

In addition to his partner, Bill Kirby, surviving family members include his cousin Allen Heppe, who played a big part in Bill’s life and was like a brother to both Bills. Other surviving family members are his sister and brother-in-law Barrie and Mike Kintner and daughter Kim, sister-in-law Fran Wylie and his nieces and nephews Dawn Cole, Amy Gerhart, Karyn Caudell, Wayne Wylie, Donna Formato and Debra Wylie.

The family thanks all of the medical personnel at Miles Hospital, Maine Medical Center and Sussman House who were so kind to Bill and took such good care of him. Further details about arrangements will follow. In the meantime, hug your pets and, if you are able to, consider donating to your local ASPCA.