William Magee

William Donahue Magee passed away, peacefully, at his home, on August 5th with those that he loved the most by his side. He courageously battled a 1 ½ year fight with cancer. He was born in St. Francis Hospital, Hartford, CT on October 30, 1951 to Douglas R. and Margaret (Donahue) Magee Sr. Bill grew up in Middletown, CT graduated from Middletown High School and attended Middlesex Community College before moving to Vermont to pursue a professional career in snow skiing. Upon returning to Connecticut, he joined his only brother, Douglas R. Magee Jr. in running Magee Company and later co-founded Magner Corporation. Both businesses involved the design, development, and distribution of “money processing equipment”. The two businesses operated from Meadowview Farm in Middlefield, CT, which also was co-owned by the two brothers. The companies still operate from that area. They acquired their interest in business machines from their father who owned an office equipment company, where they worked as young boys. Bill was also an active member of the Westfield, CT Volunteer Fire Department for a number of years. He and his family moved to Wolfeboro, NH in 1998. After his retirement, in 2005 they moved to Melvin Village. Bill loved the lakes and the mountains and always felt that New Hampshire was the perfect place to be. Bill and Diane enjoyed doing everything together, including boating, snow skiing, building projects, yard work, antiquing, and traveling. They would often take long drives with their Golden Retrievers and Jack Russell Terrier. Bill and Diane were avid collectors of antique automobiles. Their primary interest was automobiles built prior to 1915, although their collection included a vintage 1929 Bentley. While living in CT, Bill and his brother Doug focused on collecting primarily CT manufactured automobiles built prior to 1915. They maintained a small automobile museum at their Meadowview Farm, in Middlefield. Over the years, Bill and Diane toured much of the United States in their antique cars, as well as Ireland, England, Bermuda and Mexico. He belonged to numerous organizations, associations, antique car and wooden boat clubs, many as a life member. A few of his affiliations include: The 100 Club of New Hampshire, Bald Peak Colony Club, Friends of Ancient Road Transportation, Bentley Driver’s Club, Horseless Carriage Club of America, Veteran Motor Car Club of America (past national officer), Antique Automobile Club of America, Model T Ford Club of America, Model T Ford International, The Antique and Classic Boat Society, as well as many local chapters of automobile clubs, including Melvin Garage Antique Auto Club. Also in 2005, Bill opened Magee Motor Company in Melvin Village where he bought and sold antique automobiles. It became a major attraction for many travelers stopping by, who would relay stories of what their grandfather used to own back in the day. Bill always had the time for visiting with local friends as well as passing tourists. Being an avid shooter, Bill belonged to the National Rifle Association and the Winnipesaukee Sportsman’s Club. He was a practicing Roman Catholic and a parishioner of St. Katherine Drexel Church in Alton and a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He will always be remembered for his integrity, determination, incredible architectural vision, and good nature. He was respected and loved by all who knew him. Bill is survived by his loving wife Diane, his daughter and son-in-law Alicia and Ken Belbin of Massachusetts; his son Michael Magee of New Hampshire; his brother Douglas Magee of New Hampshire/Connecticut; as well as many first and second cousins, nieces and nephews. Bill also leaves behind many close friends who have been by his side as he fought so hard to beat his disease. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday August 7th from 6-8pm at the Baker-Gagne Funeral Home, Mill St., Wolfeboro (603-569-1339). A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 8th at 11am at St. Katherine Drexel Church in Alton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in his memory to: St. Charles Children’s Home, 19 Grant Street, Rochester, NH 03867 Maine Medical Center (Gibson Pavilion) 22 Bramhall St. Portland, Maine 04102 VNA Hospice, South Main St, PO Box 1620, Wolfeboro, NH 03894