BELFAST - BELFAST - Wilbur J. Marden, 89, died Saturday, April 24, 2010, with his children by his side, at his home, where he had resided since building the house himself in 1952. He was born Feb. 19, 1921, in North Searsport, the son of Freeman Owen Marden and Nellie (Carter) Marden. Wilbur attended schools in North Searsport and Searsport, and graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in forestry. He served in the military for four years during World War II and spent much of that time protecting the Panama Canal. He married Martha Harris, daughter of Isabel and Irvin Harris, March 6, 1942. They shared 45 wonderful years of life together until she passed away in 1987. After her death he developed a relationship with Margurite Rivers of Searsport. They enjoyed 20 years of companionship until she died in March 2007. He had a lifelong friendship with his sister, Betty and her husband, Brownie, while being fortunate to have lived beside them his entire life. He worked for Winde-McCormick lumber company for 35 years as a salesman and warehouse manager. In addition to being really proud of his house, he built five cottages at Swan Lake that he rented to help pay the college education of his children. These camps have kept the families close and have become a great source of joy to his children and grandchildren. Later in life, he helped three of the children build houses of their own and did most of the work on Mike's East Side Professional Building. It has been estimated that he cut more than a half million Christmas trees in his life, which were sent out of state by the thousands each year as well as delivered to local retail businesses. He was really proud of his orchards and each year produced bushels of peaches, pears, apples and plums. He loved working in his garden and graciously supplied everyone in the family with ample vegetables for the summer. He served as a Little League coach for 12 years and often spoke of local people who had played on his Tigers. He enjoyed going to Swan Lake Association, Swanville Cemetery Committee and Waldo County Law Enforcement meetings. Bump had many hobbies and interests, and was busy every minute of the day his entire life. Probably most of all he enjoyed hunting and being in the woods with family and friends. At age 86 he was successful in shooting both a turkey and deer during the fall hunting seasons. Bump is survived by his four children, Richard and his companion, Becky Gibbons, Peter and his wife, Terry and their children, Kendall, Jamie and husband, Dante, and Angela, Michael and his wife, Ramona and their children, Jeremy, Joe and Tim and his wife, Amy and their son, Tucker, and Sherry Macleod and her husband, Scott and their children, Shawn and Travis and his wife, Stephanie and their child, Deaglan. Also surviving him are his sister, Betty Sanborn and husband, Brownie; sister-in-law, Mildred Good and her husband, Reb, of Presque Isle and their children, Rem and Kim; and special family members, Susie Carter Bowden, Jolene Frazier and Joan Brown. The family gives special thanks to Kim Lavway. Without her help Bump could not have stayed at home these last few months. Also, a very special thanks to Dr. James Delehanty, who was always there to support Wilbur and the family. The family also appreciates the wonderful support of hospice and Kathy Warner during his last two weeks. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of his life 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at Stonecrest, Waldo. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Waldo County Hospice, Belfast, or your favorite charity. Arrangements by Young Funeral Home, 31 West Main St., Searsport.