SOUTH GARDINER — Dr. William Brian Rines, 70, a dedicated member of our community, passed away at his home on Friday, Nov. 25. Dr. Rines died after a lengthy and courageous struggle with a rare, degenerative muscle disease and a more recent diagnosis of leukemia. At the time of Brian’s death, he was at his home in South Gardiner with his family.

Despite increasing physical obstacles, he remained an engaged and giving person, always ready to volunteer his time to improve our society.

Brian was born in Gardiner in 1941 and was the oldest son of Fred W. Rines and Catherine Kincaid Rines. He graduated from Gardiner High School in 1959, received his bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College in 1963, and earned his Ph.D from the University of South Carolina in 1974.

Professionally, Dr. Rines worked as a forensic psychologist at the Kennebec Valley Mental Health Center before entering private practice. He served on the boards of many of Maine’s largest health organizations and local hospitals. Dr. Rines qualified as an expert throughout Maine’s superior, district and probate courts. Dr. Rines was additionally qualified as an expert in the federal district courts of Maine, Delaware and Connecticut. Brian continued to practice up to the time of his death.

Brian began his civic service as a member of the Gardiner Planning Board and with the board of the Gardiner Pubic Library. Brian was elected mayor of Gardiner for 14 years. During his tenure, he helped realize many successes for his hometown. In addition to his municipal service, Dr. Rines served on a number of national and statewide commissions and task forces. This service included being a trustee of the American Hospital Association and his appointment by Gov. John Baldacci to serve as chairman of the Advisory Commission on Health System Development. He was a current member of the University of Maine at Augusta’s Board of Visitors. He was also chairman of the finance committee of Christ Episcopal Church in Gardiner where he was a vestryman.

Brian was an avid reader and could often be seen sitting in a sunny spot on his deck, on the banks of the Kennebec River or in front of the wood stove with his latest book, the day’s newspapers or anything at all on his iPad. In recent weeks, he greatly enjoyed the Steve Jobs biography read to him by his daughter, Sarah.

Brian will always be loved and remembered by Nancy, his wife of 42 years; his son, Marc, and Marc’s sons; his daughter, Emily Rines Feeley, his son-in-law, Tim Feeley, and granddaughter, Amelia; his daughter, Sarah Rines, and  son-in-law, Philip Javier-Wong; his brother, Rudi Rines; many nieces and nephews; his many family members throughout the United States, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland; and all those who knew, loved and respected Brian.

Brian’s family would like to thank the doctors, staff, and administrators of the Harold Alfond Cancer Center and the MaineGeneral Medical Center, as well as the dedicated professionals at Health Reach Home Care and Hospice. We would also like to offer special thanks to Dr. John VanSummern for his many years of care and friendship and our gratitude to all of our friends who have been there for us during these difficult and strangely beautiful times.