Neil Barrows

NAPLES — Neil Hudson "Buzz" Barrows made his transition at the Hospice House in Auburn, June 14, 2014, after a three-year struggle with cancer.

He transitioned into this world on Sept. 23, 1946, son of Ruth A. Packard, and Warren C. Barrows in Rockland, both of whom predeceased him. He attended Rockport and Rockland school systems, graduating from Rockland District High School in 1964. After graduation he attended Franklin College in Indiana for three years, transferring to Husson College, where he earned a BS in Business Administration.

He served one tour of duty in Vietnam in 1970, as a member of the U.S. Army, and years later served as Adjutant for the William F. Shanahan VFW Post in Naples. He regarded his service to his country as one of his proudest accomplishments, remaining a member of the VFW until his death. Always ready to help someone else, he participated annually in the Memorial Day poppy fundraising effort, providing assistance to veterans at the Veterans' Home in South Paris.

He spent several of his early years in the food and beverage industry, managing yacht and country clubs in Va., returning to Maine in 1990 to manage the Penobscot Valley Country Club in Bangor. He then worked for the State of Maine in the Department of Labor, transferring to the Maine Revenue Service as an auditor, when he retired in 2010.

Buzz's love for family equaled his love for friends, and it was his lighthearted personality, his engaging sense of humor, and ever present ability to put others first that created and sustained his enduring friendships. He loved sports, and excelled at basketball, baseball, and tennis in his early years, preferring golf as he grew older. As a member of Norway Country Club, he served as president and House Committee Chairman, accomplishing many improvements to the clubhouse and grounds. Friends at NCC were his summer "family" and plans to reopen the club come spring sustained him throughout the long winter.

He leaves his wife Carol Sterling; sons, Ryan Barrows of Naples, and Alec Barrows of Raleigh, North Carolina from a previous marriage; sister- and brother-in-law, Linda Jane and Chet Willey of Exeter, N.H.; two nieces, Bethany Willey of Bedford, N.H., and Michelle Young of Alpharetta, Ga.; brother-in-law William Sterling of Stockton, N.J.; maternal aunt Jane Johnston of Rockland; and several cousins in the Rockland area.

Buzz requested no funeral service, which mimics his humble demeanor, and unwillingness to ever seek adulation or praise for a job well done. Serving well, whether it be for his country, his family, or his friends, was enough for him. Please remember, love, and honor Buzz in your own way. It is enough.

As he requested, a private memorial service will be held in Glen Cove, his boyhood playground, where he spent so many happy summers growing up with friends. Time and date will be announced. Those wishing monetary remembrances may contribute to the William F. Shanahan VFW Post in Naples, or to the Norway Country Club in Norway. Arrangements entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home, Gray, www.wilsonfuneralhome.us