September 23, 2017
McKibben, William
Bill McKibben passed away on September 16, 2017 at his home in Hingham, just shy of 93. Born October 6, 1924 in Schenectady, NY to Elliot and Elizabeth (Adams) McKibben, he moved to Dedham, MA at the age of 1 after his mother’s untimely death. He was raised by his beloved grandmother, Ethel (Weaver) Adams, in the home where he would spend the next 84 years of his life. In addition to his grandmother, his early life was heavily influenced by neighbor Harmanus F. Neff, whom Bill referred to as “Uncle Manus” or “Unc,” and whom introduced Bill to his first love – Flying.
A few months after graduating Dedham High School in 1942, he enlisted in the US Navy on his 18th birthday, beginning his training as a Navy Pilot. After serving in WWII, he earned his B.A. from Brown University, graduating in June 1949 as a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. He returned to flying the following year, as a commercial pilot for Eastern Airlines. A true company man, Captain McKibben remained at Eastern for the entirety of his career until his retirement in 1984.
As much as he loved flying, it didn’t come close to the love he held for his late wife of 60 years. He married Audrey Jean McKibben (nee Mitchell) of Dedham, MA at Allin Congregational Church on January 31, 1953. They raised their 4 daughters at Bill’s childhood home in Dedham, spending many summers in Scotland, Switzerland, and France. His retirement years were spent traveling, investing, and on his passion for genealogy.
Audrey and Bill are survived by their four daughters: Robin McKibben (and son-in-law Elliot Berk) of Encino, CA; Donna McKibben Cutler of Acton , MA; Heather McKibben of Norton, MA; and Lorna Cogan (and son-in-law Greg Cogan) of Norwell, MA; along with their 7 grandchildren – Margaret Cutler, Ian Cutler, Jared Berk, Sydney Berk, Hayley Berk, Miles Cogan and Devon Cogan.
Interment will be private. A memorial service celebrating the life of William Adams McKibben will be held at Allin Congregational Church in Dedham, MA on November 11, 2017 at 11 o’clock with a reception immediately to follow.
His family would also like to express their sincere gratitude to the Celtic Angels for their exceptional care and support over the past few years.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Honor of William A. McKibben to The Dedham Historical Society & Museum and The Allin Congregational Church of Dedham
Comments(10)
My deepest sympathies to the whole McKibben Family, I can
‘not let go of the times when Lenny Gustafson, your Father and myself would be down the Manse with a fire and your Mother , Audrey would bring us lunch ( cream cheese and jelly on rustic bread w/ 8oz beers), we did that for many years. To the McKibben family, Bill was one to emulate, I sure tried!!!
I flew with your dad many times . I was a young stewardess based in Boston at the time . He was the most wonderful person and a true gentlemen . I loved being in his crew . He was my favorite pilot. He was like a father or older brother to me. I was a southern girl who adored his enthusiasm for life . I enjoyed his good advice and his guidance within Eastern . What a wonderful Dad you had.
Hi McKibbens — many, many fond memories of your parents and all that they gave us. Love to all of you, Peggy Bliss
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as always during this difficult time. I know that the Captain is holding his brides hand and watching over all of you. Our loss is Heavens gain.
All our love
Wayne and Katie
To all of you …My heart is so full with memories of your dad..(and your mom)…I wish him Godspeed….fly high Captian. With much love, Ellen
My sincere condolences to the McKibben sisters and Mr McKibbens family.
He was a classic and a real gentleman.
My heart and love and comfort goes out to you all.
My children’s grandfather set a wonderful example to aspire to. Like their grandmother, he was always considerate and respectful of those around him.
He never asked for or expected anything from others but was always generous in helping his family, friends and neighbors.
He was talented in many areas, smart, successful and hard working until his death – but always humble.
He had a beautiful, happy life – rich and full – surrounded by those that he loved and loved him. Although he will be deeply missed, this is not a sad time but a celebration of a life well-lived.
Elliot Berk
Los Angeles
Bill was a great guy who left the world better than he found it. We shared memories in Squadron VR-912.
Bill McKibben was one of the finest gentleman I have known. I was so lucky to have both Bill and Audrey as my neighbors for more than 25 years. Always earnest and friendly, I could count on Bill for helpful homeowner wisdom and advice. His appreciation for the history of his family home and the entire Federal Hill neighborhood set a great example for me to aspire to. He was thoughtful and generous donating artifacts to the Dedham Historical Society. The entire town will benefit for generations from that kindness. My whole family will cherish the memory of our fine friend. We extend our deepest condolences to his lovely family.
Jim Kaufman
Dedham
Bill was a wonderful person who left the world a bit better than he found it. We had many memories together through our participation in Naval Reserve Squadron VR-912.