Obituary of William A. Huus

LAKE GEORGE Capt. William A. Huus Sr., 91, whose love of the water was reflected in two noteworthy careers, died Saturday, May 3, 2008. Born in Caldwell, N.J., he grew up in Sayville, Long Island, before settling in Staten Island, N.Y. He moved to Lake George, where he had spent his summers, 35 years ago. He served in the Coast Guard during World War II and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for directing the rescue of 60 men after an explosion wracked the destroyer USS Turner. “Captain Bill,” as he was known to friends, spent 36 years piloting ships in and out of New York Harbor as a Sandy Hook Pilot. After retiring and moving upstate, he spent 27 years captaining tour boats on Lake George for Shoreline Cruises, a job that put his love of people and sense of humor on display. Active in the community and cited by many organizations for his tireless efforts for young people, he relished his work with the Lake George Scholarship Association, the Kiwanis Club, the Lake George Association, and Winter Carnival. As a teenager in Sayville, he helped found the Wet Pants Association, a sailing group, and in later years he enjoyed giving sailing lessons to Lake George youth. As someone who lived life to the fullest and was an incorrigible storyteller, he had special affections for jazz music, corny jokes and the New York Giants football team. But he was “always happiest on a boat,” as he was quoted in one of several articles written about him. His wife, Dorothy (Dee) passed away in 1994. He is survived by a daughter, Nikki, of Lake George; a son, William Jr., of Staten Island, and four grandchildren, Lars, Erik, Christiana and Kaia. Friends may call on Capt. Bill’s family from 2-4 and 7-9 pm Wednesday at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St, Warrensburg. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be conducted 11 am Thursday in the Church of the Holy Cross, Main St., Warrensburg with Fr. John Cornelius, Rector officiating. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guestbook, condolences and directions.