BANGOR – Willard Carlton Farnham, just shy of 85 years old, passed away at home on December 17,2021, surrounded by family and friends. Will was born in Waterville, Maine the son of Carlton and Margaret (Teal). He graduated from Waterville High, “a proud purple Panther”, Class of 1955 where he was a three sport athlete. From Waterville he went on to the University of Maine, Class of 1959. He loved his high school and college years where he maintained lifelong friendships till his passing. His love for athletics, especially football, at U Maine paved the way for over 50 years as a Black Bear supporter. He served on the University of Maine Alumni Board, M club Board, University of Maine Athletic Board and a member of the Maine Stillwater Society. He was most proud to be a recipient of the University of Maine 1996 Black Bear Football Award.

After graduating from UMaine, Will’s coaching career took him to Mt. Blue High school and Brewer High School. He was responsible for the development of Pop Warner football. To this day players and students reach out and connect to the man that made a personal impact on their lives. He was a friend and mentor to many.

Growing up in Waterville, Will had his start on skis at the Colby College Ski Area. Skiing was a lifetime passion for over 55 years where he skied many different mountains near and far, but none as good as the mountain of Sugarloaf. He felt Sugarloaf was the only mountain in the East. He served on the Maine National Ski Patrol, was Chief of the Course for Safety for the 1971 World Cup at Sugarloaf, Regional Director for Maine Ski Patrol and Penobscot Valley Ski Club Skier of the year 1988. For his years of service to the ski industry he was inducted into the Maine Ski Hall of Fame in 2013.

His professional career as an “Iceman” began at Getchell Brothers Inc., a family business from 1963 to 2002. He served 22 years as President, was Chair of the New England Ice Association and International Packaged Ice Association. In 2001, he was inducted into the International Ice Hall of Fame. His years in the ice business were very self rewarding. Will developed many lifelong connections hiring college students, teachers and coaches which proved to be very gratifying. Once again in his life many became lifelong friends.

Will had a passion for service to his community. He cherished many years of service to the Bangor YMCA as a past president and inducted to the YMCA Hall of Fame in 1994. The Y was an intregal part of his life as a young boy thru his aging years. It was his place to stay fit physically and mentally. Fitness was important to him throughout his life and he was a role model to his family. He served on the Eastern Maine Medical Center Board of Directors from 1984 to 2009 and was awarded the Bangor Exemplary Citizen Award in 1985. He served on the United Bank Board of directors of 1979-1990 and was a Maine High School and NCAA college football official from 1969 to 1990.

Will loved his family first and was very proud of his three sons and his extended family of two step sons and two step daughters. Sharing and enjoying his love for sports, fitness and skiing can now be seen as important part of his families lifestyles. He loved his moxie, his drink of choice, chopping wood, football, his Sunday review and jelly donut, his Waterville Crew and all his friendships near and far. He never had a cookie he didn’t like. His highlight in life has been watching grandkids play football, baseball, hockey and basketball. Will was a storyteller that enjoyed his many life adventures. A polite, caring man who loved his family and community and will wait for our arrival with a smile, laugh and a cold Moxie, whether we like it or not.

Will is survived by his loving and dedicated wife Elanna Crowley; son Douglas and wife Nichi, son Donald and wife Karen, son David, step son Vaughn Clark and wife Christine, step daughter Stephanie Wysocki and husband John, step son Nat Clark and wife Jill, step daughter Katie Herbine and husband Andy; grandchildren Scott and his wife Hillary, Carl, Gary, Andy, Ellie, Molly, Emma, Max, Landon, Avery Jane, Julia, Jack, Liam and Josie. Also survived by brother Lloyd and his wife Linda, sisters Melissa Burton and husband Mark, Melinda Choate and husband Jeff, and many nieces and nephews. Will is survived by Elanna’s six brothers and sister. He was predeceased by his wife Louise Farnham and his parents. His life was well lived. He did not rust out he wore out.

The family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to all Drs., nurses, and home care specialists who provided compassionate loving care during his life journey.

Due to Covid 19 there will be a private family service.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.

Gifts may be made in Willards memory to University of Maine Athletics Fund and the Bangor YMCA.