William R. Tolford ’47

Bill was a true down-easter who loved the sea, blue-water cruising, and tall ships.

He spent three years in the Navy during World War II and two more during the Korean conflict.

After graduation and “bumming around” in Portland, Maine, Bill studied optometry and then took over his father’s practice. He married Ruth Watt, “the belle of Holyoke,” in 1953.

Much of the couple’s married life centered around sailboats. They often cruised the Atlantic Coast and sometimes the Caribbean. Over the years Bill also crewed on various tall ships — voyaging to Europe and to U.S. ports celebrating maritime events.

In 1985, Bill started Casco Bay Lobster Co. on Maine’s Long Island. He sold bait and supplies to lobstermen, and their catch to mainland stores. He also ran a seafood restaurant in Portland, and still managed to squeeze in two days a week practicing optometry. In their latter years, Bill and Ruth bought a winter home in Florida and he pursued deep-sea fishing.  

In our 50th yearbook, Bill wrote, “Life has been good to Ruth and me.” He died Oct. 11, 2008.  

Ruth predeceased Bill. We send our warm wishes to his children, Timothy W. Tolford and Nancy Aceto, and their families.