RAYMOND — Wilbur Carroll Bell III, 65, of Raymond, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at a Portland hospital after a long illness. His family was at his side.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, he was the son of Wilbur C. Bell II and Pauline Keenan Bell. Wilbur was a 1963 graduate of South Portland High School and a 1967 graduate of Maine Maritime Academy in Castine and spent three years as a merchant marine.

In his professional career, he spent 25 years as the president of a major roofing company, M B Bourne and Son, contributing to much of the Portland skyline. He also owned Associated Septic, Pioneer Coating, B&B Equipment Company and Casco Bay Sports Fishing Company.

He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, Portland Rotary Club, the American General Contractors Association, the Roofing Contractors Association and was a Registered Maine Guide. Throughout his life, he was an active member of the community, serving in the Naval Reserves, the Windham Fire Department, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, a volunteer at the Bath Maritime Museum and a Raymond constable. He was also a captain in the Raymond Fire Department and was the Raymond harbormaster.

As captain of the fishing boat Sea Quest, he loved fishing for tuna and scanning for whales from the Gulf of Maine to Stellwagen Bank and points beyond. He spent many fun-filled hours on the ocean with family and friends. Among his fondest memories were Christmases, skiing, and relaxing at Sugarloaf with friends and family. Some of his other interests were snowmobiling, hunting and reading.

In recent years, his passion had been to create the Water Patrol/Rescue for the Town of Raymond, being instrumental in the development of a comprehensive training program and obtaining the necessary support logistics.

Most important to him were his family and friends. He was especially proud of his family and treasured his grandchildren above all else. He will be missed by all.

He was predeceased by his parents; and by a sister, Sharon.

Surviving him are his loving wife of 42 years, Ruth I. Gavett Bell of Raymond; and his four children, Charlene Dean of Madison, Kimberly Smith of Salem, Mass., Wilbur C. Bell IV and Matthew Bell, both of Windham; five grandchildren; four sisters, DonaVee Cote of Hermon, JoAnne Gerry of Hampstead, N.H., Robin Fournier of Gorham and Melissa Allen of Buxton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours were held on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011, at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, Windham. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 919 Roosevelt Trail, Windham. Interment will follow in New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Please join the family in a reception at 131 Flaggy Meadow Road, Gorham, following burial. Online condolences may be left at www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to: The Raymond Marine 1 Account, 1443 Roosevelt Trail, Raymond, ME 04071.