MILLINOCKET -- William J. "Bill" Steeves, 83, died unexpectedly Friday, April 27, 2007, at his home. He was born June 20, 1923, in Millinocket, the son of Charles and Anna (Roach) Steeves.
Bill was a graduate of Stearns High School, Class of 1941. He served in the U.S. Navy as a diver during World War II from 1941 to 1945, serving in the Pacific theater. After his time of service, Bill returned to Millinocket and joined his father and brothers in the family business, C.R. Steeves Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical. He owned and operated the business until his retirement in 1988. Bill was a life member of Northern Penobscot Shrine Club No. 139, Anah Shrine Temple, VFW, Post No. 4154 and American Legion Post No. 80, Millinocket, Nollesemic Lodge No. 205, AF & AM, Mount Katahdin Royal Arch Chapter No. 60, St. John's Commandery No. 3, Bangor, Hillcrest Golf Club, the Fin and Feather Club and the Northern Timber Cruisers. Bill was a former member of Norstar Bankshares Association and the Maine Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors, the former plumbing inspector for the town of Millinocket, and a former member of the Selective Service Board and the District Appeals Board for the state of Maine.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Elizabeth "Betty" (Taylor) Steeves; two children: Regina Sue McLaughlin and her husband, Scott, of New York, and Eric W. Steeves and his fiance, Catharine S. Qualey, both of Millinocket; a stepdaughter, Brenda M. Fanjoy and her husband, Michael, of Smithfield; a sister, Lela Hilton of California; two grandchildren: Scott McLaughlin Jr. and Sherri Chong; two stepgrandchildren: Amy Gongalski and Matthew Fanjoy; three great-grandchildren: Jesse Rideout, Elodie McLaughlin and Delphine McLaughlin; one stepgreat-grand-child, Kevin Gongalski; two cousins: Lorna and Joe Simpson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill will also be missed by a special friend of 59 years, Henry "Hank" Madore Jr. of Millinocket.
At Bill's request, private services will be held at a later date. Gifts in his memory may be sent to Hillcrest Golf Course Land Purchase Fund, P.O. Box 739, Millinocket, ME 04462. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.lamsonfh.com.
