SANGERVILLE – Willard Starbird, who spent a lifetime serving the public, died Wednesday at his home. He was 88.

Over the years, the Sangerville native gave much to his community and country, from serving in the U.S. Army in World War II to his stint as Sangerville town manager.

He continually worked for the betterment of his community and was instrumental in the development of Oakes Manor, a senior citizens complex; Grace Bible Church; and Stott-Flanders American Legion Post.

In addition to serving on an assortment of committees through the state, Starbird also owned and operated an IGA store in Sangerville until it was destroyed by fire in 1973.

“One word sort of sums up Willard – he was a gentleman,” Walter Macdougall of Milo said Thursday. “He was the type of man who gave a solidarity and a goodness to the community.”

He said Starbird, who served in the Masons with Macdougall, “always gave an air of confidence.”

Robert Littlefield, former Guilford town manager, recalled that he and Starbird had served on many committees over the years.

Both former town managers used to travel to conventions and training sessions together and, until Starbird’s death, served together on the Guilford-Sangerville Water District.

“He was a great friend and was really good for the whole area,” Littlefield said. “He always did what he thought best for the community.”

Pastor Daryl Witmer of Monson remembered Starbird as someone who brought sunshine and goodwill to any situation.

“When I think of Willard, I think of a happy smile and a peacemaker; where others would see problems, he would see solutions,” he said.

A full obituary about Starbird will be published in Saturday’s paper.