William Stewart Patrick, 83, of Norfolk, peacefully left this earth on Sunday, March 15. The only “wonderful” child of Hugh Stewart Patrick and Caroline Edith Walke Patrick, “Bill” was born in Salem, Mass., on Oct. 6, 1942. He grew up in nearby Lynnfield and moved to Connecticut as a teenager.

Bill graduated from North Haven High School in 1960. From there he went to Colby College in Waterville, Me., graduating in 1964. William proudly served our country as a lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1964 to1967, aboard the USS Harlan R. Dickson. This was an honor he held in high regard and greatly respected but kept close, without grandeur.

On April 20, 1968, Bill married Lynette Smith, thus beginning a long life together. They were married for almost 58 years, and Lyn was with him at the time of his passing. Together they started their family and moved to Norfolk in 1972.

In additon to his wife, William is survived by his children: Meghan Patrick Link of Norfolk, Bradford Stewart Patrick (Stephanie) of North Stonington and Kailyn Patrick Nadeau (Benjamin). He was affectionately known as “Da,” “Grandpa” and “Bumpa” to his six grandchildren: William “Liam” Patrick of Warwick, R.I.; Kendra Link of North Andover, Mass.; Andrew Patrick of North Stonington and Carter, Reid and Landon Nadeau of Norfolk. Bill’s grandkids were truly the joy of his life.

For many years, Bill worked in the field of human resources. He was a dedicated personnel manager for most of his career, instilling a strong work ethic in his children and others. Upon his retirement, Bill became an avid volunteer for the Norfolk Land Trust and drove the Norfolk Lions Club Ambulance. He was passionate about serving the people in his community. He also spent years maintaining trails for the Appalachian Mountain Club in New Hampshire and Maine, including Acadia National Park.

In his downtime, Bill enjoyed tending a large vegetable garden and summer vacations on Cape Cod and the islands. His passion was spending time in the great outdoors. While at the family cabin in the White Mountains, he scaled the peaks of New Hampshire and spent time exploring the West. He valued the beauty and natural resources of his small town and spent many hours in Great Mountain Forest, Dennis Hill State Park (where he also did trail maintenance), Barbour Woods and Haystack Mountain. He enjoyed biking, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing, well into his 70s. A dog lover, Bill was devoted to his dog, Lucy, as well as the dogs of his neighbors and his “grand dogs.” Bill was an avid fisherman who enjoyed many hours on Winchester Lake with Frank Barboni Jr., his best friend since high school.

Bill’s family will think of him while watching the clouds in the sky, walking in the woods and body surfing in the ocean. His spirit will live on in their laughter (and while eating ice cream). He will be greatly missed. The family wishes to thank the staff at The Cottage in Torrington who lovingly cared for Bill and supported his family, during his time there. A service with military honor guard will be held at Center Cemetery in Norfolk on Saturday, May 23, at 11 a.m. Immediately following, there will be a celebration of his life at Dennis Hill State Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name, to the Norfolk Lions Club Ambulance, PO Box 399, Norfolk.