B. Ross Nason died May 8, 2006 at age 88. He was born in Bangor, Maine on Feb. 7, 1918, the only child of Fern and Carl Nason. He grew up in Old Town Maine where, in 1940, he married his high school sweetheart, Bernice Brooks. He was a proud graduate of the University of Maine with BS degrees in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and an MS degree in Chemical Engineering.

Ross had a rewarding career of more than 40 years in the chemical industry. After a series of management and engineering positions in Monsanto, Ross joined Mobay in 1961 as director of manufacturing and engineering. He was elected president of Mobay in 1965 and chairman of the board in 1975. He often described the years he spent growing and guiding the fledgling company as among the most exciting of his life.

After his retirement in 1978, Ross and Bernice moved to Orcas Island, where they enjoyed sailing and exploring the waterways as far north as Alaska. Avid downhill skiers, they continued to enjoy holidays on the ski slopes. Ross’ many talents included woodworking and macrame, but his masterpieces may well have been the beautiful needlepoint tapestries he created, including reproductions of a number of magnificent Cluny tapestries. He loved walking in the woods and managed to walk a mile or two every day until his final illness. Ross enjoyed cruising and never quit hoping he would be able to make one last cruise.

Ross was preceded in death by his beloved wife Bernice. He is survived by his two sons, Steven Brooks Nason and James Carl Nason, and by his granddaughter Patricia Brooks Nason. He leaves behind a large community of friends and family who loved him. He will be greatly missed.

Memorial gifts should be sent to the University of Maine, c/o Donna Keirstead, One Alumni Place, Orono, ME, 04469-5725.

A memorial reception will be held on May 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Shelter Bay Club House, Shelter Bay, LaConner.