Corey Gilding

CASCO — Corey Gilding, 36, passed away from a long illness on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015 with his loving family by his side.

He was born on Sept. 10, 1978 in Portland. He was the youngest of two children. Corey graduated from Windham High School and the University of Maine magna cum laude in computer sciences. He went on to be part owner of the Independent newspaper and a Lewiston-Auburn magazine working as an accomplished graphic artist/layout designer and writer. Corey had an outstanding work ethic. Whatever he did, he did it to the best of his ability and gave it one hundred percent. Corey was a kind and loving man. He lived life the way he wanted to and never hurt anyone in his life. He always tried to find the best in everyone. He had a wonderful dry sense of humor that was appreciated by most everyone who knew him. Corey had many fond memories of fishing trips up in the Allagash and Rangeley with his father and friends. Last summer, he and his mother and dog, Lex, had a wonderful time camping at Loon Haven campground, probably the best summer of his life. Corey also enjoyed traveling, baseball, fishing, hiking, “gaming” and camping. He was most passionate about his family, friends and all children. He had an amazing relationship with his mother that she will always cherish. Corey was such a good man and a wonderful son, brother and friend He was so loved and is going to be greatly missed by all that knew him. His stepfather said he was better than he had to be.

“The future is not like a book one can read,” he said quietly. “It is ever changing, like the rush of water, or the swirl of sand.”

Corey leaves behind his parents, Zeena and Henry Watkins of Casco and Robert Gilding and Candace Hancock of Windham; a brother, Doug Gilding; stepbrothers, Justin Standley and Peter Watkins; and his uncle.

Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road, Casco. A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhomeinc.com