William E. Weber ’58 died on January 10, 2022, in Great Diamond Island, Maine
William “Ted” E. Weber’ 58
(The following was provided by the Hobbs Funeral Home on January 15, 2022)
Great Diamond Island – William “Ted” E. Weber, of Great Diamond Island lived a good life! In his own words: “I learned how to row a boat, build a boat, plant corn from seed in cow manure, hay the field with a horse and wagon growing up on Cousins Island. I remember the warships in Casco Bay during the war. It was the Atlantic fleet. I would take my punt/skiff over to Fort McKinley on Great Diamond Island. The soldiers would give us cigarettes, meat, and butter – which was rationed. We were not allowed to use a camera and take pictures. If you were on the water in the bay you had to have an ID on your left shoulder, your papers, and a flag that identified you as ok. I thought it was crazy nuts. Today, I have to wear a mask!”
He said if he were to write his obituary it would read like this: “If you’re reading this, I’m dead.” He wanted his family and friends to celebrate his life with a party at his favorite restaurant, DiMillo’s, on the water in Portland” – Ted always loved a good party!
He accomplished many great things in life. He graduated from Bowdoin College in 1958, married his best friend, Betsy, and raised a family. He owned and operated several seafood businesses on the Portland waterfront and established Dinosaur Enterprises, the fuel business for the viability of Great and Little Diamond Islands. He never really retired and always made time for fun. He had a passion for lobstering and started when he was just 8 years old. Ted also had a great love of John Deere machinery like his 1970 backhoe, boat engine, gator, and zero-turn lawnmower.
It’s impossible to summarize the life of a legend. He was a man of honor, integrity, strength, and great character. Ted was the calm amidst the storm, that one tree that stands tall and just bends with the wind. You could always count on him. He always took the time to help a stranger or a friend. He shared his traditions and life experiences with us. Ted instilled in our character to respect others, be kind, do the right thing and don’t be afraid of hard work. He believed a handshake was a contract and giving your word meant everything. He rarely had a mean word with anyone, and he didn’t mind if you disagreed. He has left a small piece of himself with all who knew him. Ted was known for his quick wit not excluding his knack for naming his boats like “Sachu” which was his way of saying “Is that you?” and “Yes, Dear” which was his secret to a successful marriage, and lastly “Seadonk” named after his good friend Dave’s Zebra-donkeys.
He is survived by his son, William Jr. (wife Lorna); daughter, Elizabeth M.; grandson, John T. Jr. (Amanda); granddaughters, Ashley (husband Nick) and Shelby (husband Tom); great-grandsons, Timothy, Chance, and William; and his 160-lb. Saint Bernard, Suzie.
He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth A.; sons, Carl, John, and Thomas Weber.