William Francis Luce died in Kittery, Me. on Jan. 9. He was born Nov. 21, 1946 in Oak Bluffs to Frances Brown Roberts and Frederick William Luce, now both deceased.

His family lived on Martha's Vineyard for many generations and the sea and its culture were always dear to him.

He attended Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, graduated from Miami Military Academy, and attended the New England Conservatory of Music.

Mr. Luce married Susan Brooksby Smyth of Waterbury, Conn. in 1983. The marriage produced two sons, Matthew David Luce and Nathan William Luce of Waterbury and Oak Bluffs. The marriage ended in 1992, but the couple worked together to raise their sons, whom Will considered his finest legacy.

Known as Billy or Will in his later years, he was a talented storyteller. In his life, he worked as a carpenter, truck driver, salesman, and tour bus guide for the Island he knew so well. He was a singer and musician, his bass voice adding to the choir in the Old Saybrook Congregational Church when he lived on the Connecticut coast. He loved reading and collecting books and did the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle in ink. He had many hobbies, including photography, knitting and crewel embroidery. He tried his hand at many things, and was quick to master them.

Survivors include a sister, Martha C. Luce of Oak Bluffs.

He will be mourned by his family, who will have a private memorial at their convenience. Contributions in his name may be sent to the Kittery Youth Connection, 10 Shapleigh Road, Kittery, ME 03904.