TENANTS HARBOR — William Frederick Iliffe, Jr., 64, known to most as ‘Shoo-Fly’, died peacefully, Monday, January 29, 2024 at Sussman Hospice House in Rockport following a very brief battle with cancer.

Born December 21, 1959, in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, he was the son of William, Sr and Martha Dull Iliffe. Moving to Tenants Harbor in 1973, Bill graduated from Georges Valley High School at the age of 16.

Upon moving to ‘The Harbor’, Bill joined the St. George Volunteer Fire Department in the mid 1970s. He drove the ambulance and was an active member there until just this summer, working for over 24 hours straight during the Port Clyde Fire. Always community minded he was also a member of the St. George Harbor Committee.

Shoo-Fly found his passion at a young age, beginning lobstering when he was 16, and continued as captain of his own boat until October of last year. He was a hard worker and never idle, working in the off season seining
with Sonny Lehtinen and driving truck for several local companies.

Bill was a people person. Often referred to as ‘Friendly Bill Iliffe’ he could be found holding court daily at the Tenants Harbor General Store with his best friends, including Robert, Alan, Butch and Greg. His children remarked how they could never go for a walk around town with him because he would stop and talk to everyone for hours.

Above all, Bill was a family man. He did whatever it took to make sure his wife, sons and family had everything they needed and most importantly, that they knew he loved them. His two sons and nephew were his whole world, they all said his support, guidance and friendship helped shape who they are today, and he was a role model for who they want to become. Bill loved life on the water and was always eager to share it with those he loved. He was instrumental in helping his nephew Brandon and his own sons join the fishing industry. The friendships he shared with the three boys as they grew were something he treasured.

Although Bill’s sudden passing leaves a hole in the lives of all who loved him, his wife said it best when she said, ‘Not everyone got to have a Bill in their lives.’ She wants everyone to be thankful for who he was in their lives and that they got to have him!

Predeceased by his parents, Bill ‘Shoo-Fly’ is survived by his beloved family, his wife, Nancy Iliffe and their sons, Austin Jurkowski and his fiancée Mia Blumenthal, who was right by the family’s side through this whole ordeal, Nathan Iliffe all of Tenants Harbor; his sister, Alice Smith and her husband Larry, Jr. of St. George; his nephew, Brandon Smith and his wife Hannah of Tenants Harbor; his sternman, Chris Mills of Warren; and too many friends to name.

In keeping with Bill’s wishes, his ashes will be scattered at sea in the Spring. An announcement will be posted.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the St. George School Fund, St. George School Attention: Mike Felton, PO Box 153, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860; or online at https://www.stgeorgecommunity.org/donations/st-george-school-fund/

To share a memory or condolence with Bill’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.