Wilbur W. Philbrook Jr. ’55 died on January 9, 2018, in Dayton, Maine.

(The following was published in the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, January 11-12, 2018:)

Col. (Ret.) Wilbur W. Philbrook Jr. was born in South Portland, on Nov. 16, 1932, to Wilbur W. Philbrook and Charlene (Foster) Philbrook. Will died on January 9, 2018, at his home in Dayton.

He graduated from South Portland High School in 1951 and Bowdoin College in 1955. A lifelong learner, he earned a master’s degree in business administration and attended multiple military schools, culminating with graduation from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Will was commissioned into the United States Army upon graduation from Bowdoin and served twenty-eight-and-a-half years, retiring as colonel. His Army assignments included serving our country in Japan, Germany, Vietnam, Panama, and multiple stateside locations.

After retiring from the Army, he moved back to Maine, where he started a second career at VR Business, eventually becoming owner of the business. Upon retiring full time, Will enjoyed his family and continuing involvement with his community and the Goodwin Mills United Methodist Church.

Will was predeceased by his wife of fifty-two years, Ann L. (Polk) Philbrook; his son, Alan; his brother, Lt. Col. Robert Philbrook (U.S. Army, Retired); and both his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Gail (Abbott) Philbrook; his daughter, Charlene E. Philbrook, and partner Roy Harper, of Dayton; his son, Edward L. Philbrook, and his wife Bobbie, of Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; his son, Major Mark A. Philbrook (U.S. Army, Retired), and his wife Judy, of Fayetteville, N.C.; stepdaughter, Patricia Vigue, and her husband Henry, of Lyman; stepson, Joseph Nason, of Dayton; stepson, CWO5 Roger S. Hooper (U.S. Navy, Retired), and his wife Barbara, of Lyman; stepson, Thomas E. Hooper, of Dayton; his sister, Barbara (Philbrook) Beesley, of Westbrook; sixteen grandchildren; as well as multiple great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.