HAROLD FRAZER WILHELM

1935-2010

Hal Wilhelm, 74, of Key West, Fla., died Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, at St. Mary's Hospital, West Palm Beach, Fla.

He was on his beloved Harley-Davidson, heading toward Bike Week in Daytona Beach, when he suffered a massive stroke.

Hal was born in Brookline, Mass., on April 1, 1935, the son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Norbert Wilhelm. He attended the Roxbury Latin School, St. John's Preparatory School and the University of Vermont. He served with the U.S. Army in Korea from 1956-1962, where he taught English as a second language.

Hal found his calling in life when he discovered skiing. He was the director of the Mt. Mansfield Ski Patrol in Stowe, Vt., where he was known affectionately as "Kaiser." During the summer months, he worked as a building contractor. Passionate about skiing, sailing, cars and motorcycles, Hal rode with the Middle Age Motorcycle Club and discovered motocross racing. He moved to Key West 30 years ago, where he continued to work as a contractor and enjoyed sailing throughout the Eastern Seaboard and Caribbean.

He is survived by his two daughters, Ann Wilhelm and her husband, Reed Anderson, of Sun Valley, Idaho, and Beth Wilhelm, and her husband, Dave Gowdy, and their two daughters, Sophia and Audra, of Steamboat Springs, Colo.; and his dear friend, Claire Siroff of Key West.

He will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched. At Hal's request, no funeral services are planned and his ashes will be spread at sea. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations in Hal's name to the Florida Keys Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 5230 College Road, Key West, FL 33040 or http://www.fkspca.org.