William 'Bill' Hubbard

Obituary William Bill Hubbard passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 85 on November 22, 2014. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 25, 2014, at St. Egbert Catholic Church, with Rev. Thomas R. Davis,and Monsignor Francis Moeslein officiating. Bill was born on June 16, 1929 in Farnam, NE. He was the beloved husband of Jackie Baker Hubbard and brother Norman Earl Hubbard. He is the proud father of Nelia Hubbard Decker and Steve Ford Hubbard from his first wife, Gene Whitlock. Jackie and Bill are the proud parents of Michael Hubbard, Catherine Hubbard Tahaney, Teresa Hubbard, Mary Ann Hubbard, Liz Hubbard, Julie Blackman and grandfather to twelve. Always the adventurer, Bill began his career as a geologist with Marathon Oil Company in Wyoming and then moved to the jungles of Guatemala. Bill learned to speak and write Spanish fluently while working in Guatemala and his interest in that language stayed with him for the rest of his life. It was in Guatemala that he met and married Jackie, his wife of 53 years. Their international journey continued as Bills 32-year career led the family to live in Ireland, Australia, and then to return to the US in 1977. An old salt at heart, Bill was passionate about sailing. This enthusiasm began in Guatemala as a small boat builder and sailor on Lake Atitlan. This led to a lifelong interest in sailing which brought him and Jackie to Beaufort to retire. Bill pursued this interest and was an actively involved as a member of the Beaufort Maritime Museum, a volunteer in the Watercraft Center, and one of the early organizers and boat builders of the Junior Sailing Program. One of Bills greatest joys during his 20 year involvement with the Junior Sailing Program was mentoring the next generation of sailors, including his grandchildren. Bill was also known for his significant civic contributions to the Beaufort community. He served as Town Commissioner, Mayor Pro-Tem and on various boards and commissions. Bill could regularly be seen on Friday mornings behind the wheel of the red double-decker bus for the Beaufort Historical Association. Bill was a voracious reader who believed in the power of books. His curiosity about the world meant that he was well read and had strong opinions on a variety of subjects, ranging from world politics to local history. He also served as President of the Friends of the Library. In fact, if youve bought a book from the Little Red Wagon, youve probably received spirited advice on your choice of reading material. His community efforts were recognized when Mayor Richard Stanley officially named the week of November 5, 2012 William Bill Hubbard Week in Beaufort. Bill would want his Tuesday Poker Club to know that when the chips were down, he knew how to play the hand he was dealt with finesse. To sailors, passing over the bar is crossing the boundary between the rough sea and the safe shelter of calm water. Although he will be deeply missed, Bills friends and family have faith that he has passed over the bar and is now resting in peace. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House, 100 Big Rock Weigh, Newport, NC 28570 www.crystalcoasthospicehouse.org, or Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516 www.maritimefriends.org. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am ,Tuesday, November 25, 2014 St. Egbert Catholic Church 1706 Evans Steet Morehead City, NC 28557 Visitation Following Service Tuesday, November 25, 2014 St. Egbert Catholic Church 1706 Evans Steet Morehead City, NC 28557 Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of William 'Bill' Hubbard