letter to the editor

Remembering Bill Cumming

Mon, 06/18/2018 - 5:15pm

Dear Editor:

I am deeply saddened by the passing of William A. Cumming. I first met Bill at summer school at the University of Maine while we were both working on advanced degrees in education. I admired him for his leadership, his intellect, and his Christian values.

In the early ’70s, when the Wiscasset school department was in search of a high school principal who could provide a positive secondary school environment for both staff and students, I immediately thought of Mr. Cumming and urged him to apply. At the end of many meetings and interviews, the school committee offered the position to Mr. Cumming. Over the next two years, he assembled a staff that was second to none, and Wiscasset High School was recognized as one of the finest in Maine.

There are hundreds and hundreds of people throughout the world who are today better and stronger individuals because they were privileged to have rubbed elbows with this outstanding educator, and I, myself, am included in that group. His leadership was known not only in Maine, but also throughout New England. He treated everyone with respect, no matter their station in life, and he was always there to give anyone a hand up when needed. Should someone ask me to list the ten finest men I have every known, Bill Cumming would be at the head of my list.

People such as Bill Cumming are few and far between, and our world could use many more like him. He was a dear friend for nearly 60 years, and he will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Joan and the family

Charles H. Heino

Retired superintendent of schools