Obituary of Wayne Alan Astbury

BLUE HILL - Wayne Astbury, 72, left this world for a better place July 11, 2012, at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital after a short illness. Born July 1, 1940, in Blue Hill, he was the son of Fred and Esther (Pease) Astbury. Wayne was a 1959 graduate of George Stevens Academy then attended the University of Maine one year before receiving his bachelor's degree from Husson College. He was the assistant manager at W.T. Grant for two years, then moved on to a position as accountant at the University of Maine, where he was employed for 42 years. Wayne was an elected member of the National Association of Accountants in 1968 and from 1987 to 1993 served as the treasurer at George Stevens Academy. Wayne was an outstanding athlete throughout his school years, which brought him the opportunity to try out for both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cincinnati Reds. In 1991, Wayne was inducted into the Husson College Sports Hall of Fame for baseball. As a baseball coach he enjoyed training many young baseball leagues as well as a semi-professional team in Bangor. Wayne also had a great passion for music. In his youth, he was the guitarist and lead singer for the band The Shadows. His talent and love for music was passed on to his children and he loved to hear his son, daughter and son-in-law's band Rock Revelation play where they are featured artists at Bangor's Hollywood Casino. As their number one fan, Wayne never missed a performance. Another of Wayne's many talents included being an extraordinary cook where he is practically famous at his local supermarket for his one-of-a-kind spaghetti sauce, but Wayne's crowning achievement has always been his love for his family which will be his greatest legacy. Marrying his high school sweetheart in 1965, he and Thelma Jane would have celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary this coming August. He will be sadly and greatly missed by wife, Thelma; son, Lance Wayne and wife, Traci, of Brooksville; daughter, Heather Astbury-Libby and husband, Thomas, of Winterport; as well as four grandchildren, Alexon Anne and Riley Richard Wayne Astbury, Taylor Vincent and Thomas Lander Libby; his sister, Bonnie Paulas and husband, Jim; sister-in-law, Elizabeth and husband, John Senter; Richard Merrill, husband of sister-in-law, the late Josephine Merrill; as well as many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and adored family cats, Danny Boy and Woody. He was predeceased by parents, Esther and Fred Astbury. He would have loved to have had more time here on earth with his family, playing golf or tending his gardens, but believe God has other plans for him. Wayne's family extends their gratitude to the staff of Blue Hill Memorial Hospital for their excellent and loving care of him during the last month of his life. A celebration of Wayne's life will be held 4 p.m. July 29 at South Blue Hill Central Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to South Blue Hill Cemetery Association, care of Dolly Robertson, Blue Hill, ME 04614