Marblehead……

William E. Douglass, age 78, loving husband for 40 years of Beverlee (Seamans) Douglass, died at the Kaplan Family Hospice House early Wednesday morning December 23, 2009.

Born in Gardner, Maine the son of the late Fuller and Margaret (Thomas) Douglass, he was raised and educated in Portland, Maine. A great dancer, Mr. Douglass became a dance instructor for the Arthur Murray Dance Studio while earning his bachelor's degree at Northeastern University. Following his graduation as an engineer, he was employed as an engineer by Raytheon for over 40 years until his retirement.

A longtime sailor and member of the Boston Yacht Club, his true passion was racing in the Etchells 22 fleet in Marblehead as well as racing regional and national championships. For many years this was a way of life for the Douglass family. As a member of the Etchells 22 Class association, he raced his boat, with his daughter Cindy as a member of the crew on occasion and his wife helping to organize events for the class. Bill was a proud grandfather and happy to see his grandchildren's enthusiasm for sailing. When not sailing, he enjoyed fixing that which needed repair and puttering on projects.

In addition to his wife he is survived by three daughters Cindy and her husband Judson Smith of Marblehead, Lynn Douglass of Arizona and Kimberly and her husband Frank Blackburn of Arizona.; two granddaughters Lindsay and Darby Smith.

Private funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St, Salem. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. For online guest book or additional information please call 781 631 8885 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.