Submitted by his Son

William E. Varney
Norway Fire Department – Maine
Classification: Volunteer
Rank: Firefighter
Date of Death: 03/06/1989
Age: 52

William ‘Bill’ Varney served in the Fire Service from 1970 until the time of his death in 1989. He served in Phillipston MA‚ Lexington MA‚ and Norway ME.

William Varney was a refrigeration engineer by trade and was active in the community serving on the Norway Board of Appeals‚ Western Maine Fireman’s Association and the Norway Hazard Waste Committee. He was also a past Master of the Athol MA Grange and served on the Board of Appeals in Phillipston MA.

He was survived by his wife Nancy Varney; Mother‚ Elizabeth Ward of Phillipston MA; four sons‚ William Varney Jr. of Connecticut‚ Roy Varney of Bedford‚ MA‚ Kevin Varney of Taftsville‚ VT and Marcel Varney of Phillipston‚ MA along with four daughters‚ Karen Perkslis of Taftsville‚ VT‚ Patty Potvin of Chicopee‚ MA‚ Dee Anne Gagne of Gardner‚ MA‚ and Marie Varney of Phillipston‚ MA. He was also survived by a sister Alice Marceau of Athol‚ MA and a brother‚ Donald Varney of Phillipston‚ MA. and 10 grandchildren.

My dad was an accomplished engineer and tinkerer. He would work hard at his jobs and projects from sun up until well past sun down‚ but he still made time to serve public safety.

One of his last projects before he was taken was literally picking up his house by crane to move it closer to the lake that he and his wife lived on in Norway. Upon having moved it he also built a large addition with an entire glass wall looking out over the lake he loved. He was almost done with the exception of a bit of painting and trim work when he had to leave us. Needless to say we all pitched to finish it for his wife Nancy.

His legacy of service in public safety inspired my choices to serve in the fire and police services.

Nothing further at this time.

Submitted Respectfully‚

Chief Marcel Varney‚
Warwick Massachusetts Fire Department (Ret.)