Brad Sourball Viles MILLINOCKET and ELLSWORTH – Brad W. Viles, 63, died Jan. 22, 2012, in Millinocket. He was born Oct. 4, 1948, in Portland, the son of Harry and Verna Jones Viles.

Brad graduated from Brewer High School and attended Husson College. After working in several occupations, Brad finally realized his lifelong dream and thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Mount Katahdin. He was a volunteer Appalachian Trail section maintainer, continuing his interests in hiking and camping. In 2011 Brad retired from Tempshield, Trenton, moved to Millinocket and opened Maine Woods Gear, a seasonal hiking and camping equipment store. He was a freelance writer, contributing many articles to the Bangor Daily News on his favorite subjects.

He is survived by his son, Todd Knight of New Hampshire; brothers, Matthew H. Brooker Jr. and wife, Diane, of Waterboro, James Brooker and wife, Suzanne, of Veazie and Michael Brooker and wife, Jennifer, of Bangor; cousins, including John Gray and wife, Roberta, of Holden and James Gray and wife, Debra, of Orrington; "special" aunt, Mrs. Mary Gray of Orrington; and "special" mother-in-law, Mrs. Lucy Macomber of Brewer. He was predeceased by his stepfather, Matthew H. Brooker Sr.; and mother, Verna "Bonnie" Brooker, both in 2011.

Interment services will be in the spring at Marston Cemetery, Orrington.