Harlan Richard Billings, 76

Stonington, Maine

On May 5, Stonington lost one of its own iconic characters: boatyard owner and operator, Harlan Richard Billings. Harlan, who spent time between homes in Palm City, Fla., and Stonington, Maine, said goodbye to his good friends in the South before making the long journey north with his wife, Anzie, at the helm. He wished only to see his family, friends, and boatyard one more time before quietly slipping away from us.

Born and raised in Stonington, he grew up in Burnt Cove on “The Point,” where you would most likely find him hanging out and about the shore. Joining the Coast Guard seemed like a career choice that would suit Harlan and his love of the water. That is until he was urged by his father, Dick, to help out at his recently purchased boatyard: Billings Diesel & Marine Service (BDMS). Together they laid the foundation that enabled Harlan to grow BDMS into “The Yard,” one of the most well-regarded boatyards on the coast of Maine. As Harlan serviced more and more customers, his commitment to helping others, at all hours of the day or night, in all weather conditions, became what both he and the boatyard are known for.

He is survived by his wife Anzie and his daughters, Suzette Grindle and Sandra Shepard, and their husbands Peter and Randy, along with his four grandchildren. Regardless of where you met him – in the North or the South, or somewhere in between – his zest for life was contagious, and he undoubtedly left you with a smile on your face and a “tale” or two of his many adventures.