Obituary of William H. Garside

William H. (Bill) Garside, 89, passed away March 11, 2014, at Togus Hospice Care Unit, Augusta, after a lengthy illness. He was born Oct. 2, 1924, the son of Winfield S. and Marjorie (Ashe) Garside. He graduated from Cony High School in the Class of '42 and was a member of of Nat'l Honor Society. Bill served in the Army Air Corp during World War II for 3 years. He flew 31 combat missions on B-24s with the 8th Air Force out of England. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. After discharge in 1945, he attended Bryand & Stratton in Boston, graduating with honors. Bill was employed by Central Maine Power, Internal Revenue, and the State of Maine. He retired from the State in 1982 after over 30 years service, the last 17 years spent working with the Legislature as Finance Officer and Administrative Director. After retiring he enjoyed his many hunting and fishing trips to camp at Caucomgomac in the North Country. He had a great love of family and animals. He was a past president of Me. Assn. of Retirees, member of American Legion Post #2 in Augusta, and a member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Augusta. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Ellis Garside, brother Walter A. Garside, and sister Virginia Suchovsky. He is survived by his daughter Karen G. Mauldin of Yarmouth, son William H. (Rusty) Garside Jr. and his wife Janette of St. Petersburg, FL, grandsons William H. (Bo) Garside III and his wife Lori Ann of Augusta, and Derek T. Mauldin of Ashland, OR, a very special great-graddaughter Selena Ann Garside, sister Patsy A. Crockett and husband Robert of Augusta, sister-in-law Eleanor Garside of Windham and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his very special long-time companion Syrena Flagg of Randolph and her children Wayne (Joyce) Flagg and Pamela (David) Shaw. The Flagg family have been like a second family to Bill. The family would like to thank Dr. Cheng, Dr. Thrower, Dr. Healey and all the hospice workers of Maine General hospice and Togus hospice for providing excellent care during his illness. At Mr. Garside's request, there will be no visitation. A church service at St. Barnabas Church, Augusta, and a military graveside service will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Augusta at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to So. Kennebec Humane Society, Pet Haven Lane, Augusta, ME 04330 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Direct Cremation of Maine, Belfast. Service will be held Saturday, May 24 at 11 a.m. at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Bangor Street, Augusta, Maine. Burial with military honors will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.