VINALHAVEN — Bill Brown, 56, passed away unexpectedly March 17, 2015 at his home on Vinalhaven.

Born July 1, 1959, to William H. Brown II and Patricia Ann Morrison, Bill grew up and attended local schools on Vinalhaven.

Bill was a man of many talents. He was never one to put himself first and took great joy in helping others. A lifelong friend of his put it best, "He would give the shirt off his back if it meant something to someone."

He was a master at event planning. If someone was overwhelmed with a wedding, birthday or funeral he would make sure it happened, with class and dignity. Bill spent many years volunteering at the church and teaching Sunday school. Throughout his life he also cared for the elderly and even assisted people with getting to doctor's appointments on the mainland. He was also a great caretaker and painter, working on countless homes over the years. He had a love of pets and adopted all that risked a likely demise. He did everything he could for the local humane societies, including hosting and raising funds for the annual Vinalhaven Pet Show.

Bill touched the hearts of many people and their families, and they have the stories to go with his many good deeds. Especially in times of need, no matter what someone was going though, he could always put a smile on their face.

Bill is survived by his brother, Todd Brown and his wife, Melissa, and a nephew, Evan Brown, all of Vinalhaven; his brother, Timothy Brown and his partner, Tracey Doxter, and a niece, Alexis Brown, all of Charlestown, N.H.; his half-sister, Rosemary Haskell and her husband, Norman, of Deer Isle; his nephews, Ira and James Warren of Vinalhaven; many cousins and friends near and far; as well as his faithful pets.

For those who wish, contributions may be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841, or P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center, P.O. Box 707, Rockport, ME 04856.

A gathering will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.