Arnold "Will" Wilson loved his family, his life, and his community.

Will treasured the many years he had with his wife and children. On spring vacations to far-flung states, he was a champion of history, guiding the family through Revolutionary War battlegrounds, underground caverns, and museums dedicated to bygone eras. On summer camping trips to New England seashores, he was an architect of sandcastles, a surfer of waves, a builder of campfires, a roaster of marshmallows, and a leader of off-key acapella songs at twilight.  On fall adventures through gold and amber forests, he was a scout for swimming holes, a seeker for apple-cider doughnuts, and a record-holder for Poohsticks. On winter skiing trips to the Green Mountains, he was a sherpa of warm jackets and knitted hats, a cautious guide down steep and snowy trails, and a chauffeur for children slumbering softly in the backseat.

Will cherished the moments he was given, celebrating – in equal measure – the gleeful giggles of his grandchildren or the gentle blessing of a solitary, windswept walk in the woods and fields about town. Ever selfless, he worked tirelessly to preserve and develop the Leadmine Trail adjacent to Old Sturbridge Village in hopes that all residents would enjoy his favorite hiking spot as much as he did. Ever an adventurer, he reveled in travelling, never caring whether the destination was the backyard, a quiet farm in a nearby town, or a castle in the European countryside. To Will, all destinations were simply excuses to share a journey, enjoy a good story, and linger over a candlelit meal.

Will served his community with strength and fairness. As a naval officer, he shepherded soldiers to safety in Lebanon. As school committee chair for Tantasqua, he guided the district toward expansion and success. As a member of the Sturbridge Planning Board, the Board of Selectman, and the Finance Committee, he held an unwavering commitment to open-minded discussions and fair-minded decisions, and was widely respected for achieving compromise – without animosity or offense – in the pursuit of balanced growth. A graduate of Northeastern and Tufts universities, he was a mechanical engineer for CPC Engineering for three decades, applying his skills with youthful enthusiasm, an affable demeanor, and a ready smile.

Through all the years and all the seasons, his love of family, life, and community shone ever bright, clear, and true. He shall be deeply missed.

Will is survived by his loving wife and best friend Chris, his son Tim and wife Lynne, son Mark and wife Heidi, and son Keith and fiancée Hope. He was also blessed with six loving grandchildren: Mariah, Olivia, Benjamin, Lily, Darwin and River – each will remember him fondly and carry him in their hearts always.

A celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, November 29 ^th at noon at The Barn on Cedar Street in Sturbridge for those who wish to gather and share stories about a man who had an enduring, positive impact on so many. A luncheon buffet will be provided, so please RSVP c/o Mark Wilson at markcwilson004@gmail.com if planning to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to:

The Sturbridge Trails (Trails Gift Account)

Town of Sturbridge

ATTN: Finance Department

308 Main Street

Sturbridge, MA 01566