William T. Haskins of Auburn, ME passed away on November 23, 2022 at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer.

Born July 19, 1949 in New Haven, Connecticut to George O. Haskins and Mary E. Cartwright Haskins. William grew up in West Haven, Connecticut and joined the army in 1967. In the military he worked in aircraft maintenance with helicopters and was stationed in Germany. Bill returned to school later in life when he lived in California and earned an Associates Degree in Hotel Restaurant Management & Food service from Long Beach City College in 1978.

After leaving the service in 1970, Bill went to work for his Sister and Brother-in-law in Woodridge, NY at the Davos Ski Area. He took to skiing naturally and quickly became a ski instructor. In 1974 he hitch-hiked his way from New England to California where he would pursue his passion in cooking. While in California Bill worked at various restaurants in Long Beach and Catalina Island, including the Queen Mary. Bill discovered his love for music in California, more specifically he enjoyed the blues. Learning guitar he played in many bands in Long Beach. He always took any opportunity to see the many amazing musical acts that came through town. During the 80's, Bill's career took him down the path of sales where he found much success.

In 1989 when his parents fell ill he returned home to aid his family in West Haven. Back in Connecticut he continued his success in sales and eventually moved to Maine in 1991 to settle down and start a family. In Maine Bill was drawn to auto and auto parts sales. He worked in various dealerships selling GM vehicles all over Southern and Central Maine from 1993 to 2008. Bill retired in 2008 and turned his attention to his family and other passions.

Rediscovering his love for guitar Bill recorded his own songs and published them online under the name "Billy and the Make Believers." He used every opportunity he could to share his music and play for his family, as well as keeping them updated on various guitar lessons he was working on. Bill also continued his passion for cooking and riding his Triumph motorcycle.

William is survived by his son Thomas Haskins of South Portland, Maine and his nephew Mark Haskins of Branford, Connecticut. He was predeceased by his sister Virgina Fleischman, brother George J. Haskins, and his parents.

SERVICES HAVE CHANGED - A celebration of life will be held at Hobbs Funeral Home (230 Cottage Rd, South Portland, ME 04106) at 5:30 PM on Thursday July 27, 2023 . For further information please contact Tom Haskins at 207-318-1217/ email: thask92@gmail.com.