MARYLAND — Bill Roesing, 68, passed away quietly Feb. 5, 2015, in Maryland with his loving children around him. A Chicago native, Bill developed a love of politics when, as a teenager, he volunteered in the first campaign of Charles Percy, later former Sen. Percy of Illinois.

After graduating from Williams College, he began his 36-year career in Washington, D.C., working at the nexus of politics and media. He served as chief of staff to former Sen. John Chaffee, and later as a political consultant in many campaigns, including Howard Baker’s and Pete DuPont’s presidential bids. In later years he was vice president and head of Seagram’s Washington office.

Bill was a man with big ideas and strong convictions, balancing his passion for intellectual debate with his enormous heart, and a love of people and their stories.

A longtime fan of life in Camden, he moved here full time in 2009 to be near his sister and her family. He promptly became involved in community organizations, made many friends, wrote articles about life in Maine, and for several years was a familiar sight walking about town.

He is survived by his three children, David, Emily and Kelly Roesing; his former wife and forever friend, Lynne Battle; his sister, Diane O’Brien and her husband, Wally, of Lincolnville; and his nephews Bill, Ed and Andy O’Brien.

Contributions in Bill’s memory can be made to the Camden Library, 55 Main St., Camden, ME 04843 or the Lincolnville Historical Society, P.O. Box 204, Lincolnville, ME 04849.