Bill Bowdoin

Bill Bowdoin, affectionately known as "Wild Bill”, was a man of adventurous spirit and charismatic presence. Born on July 4, 1950, in Penn Yan, NY, he went home to meet his Lord and Savior on July 11, 2023, just days after celebrating his 73rd birthday surrounded by his family. He was provided with great support by his community and outstanding compassionate care by his wife, Joyce, close friend, Larry Dykes, and the CareFirst Hospice Team.

Bill is survived by his wife of 49 years, Joyce Bowdoin (Stone); daughters, Becky (Matthew) Maners, Mary (Jan-Harm) Wolters, Anne (Sean) Reilley, and Esther (David) Chilson; along with his seven grandchildren: Elaina and Levi Maners, Josiah Wolters, Celia Reilley, and Nathaniel, Talia and Thane Chilson. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Jo Bowdoin and Emma Sue (Michael) Place. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wade and Celia Bowdoin.

A man of faith and an ambitious go-getter, Bill's life was a testament to his loyalty to God, family, and the community he loved. He lived his life according to Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

After graduating from Bradford Central School in 1968, Bill's deep faith led him to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, where he studied evangelism. As a student, Bill developed and led an inner-city ministry program, later using these experiences to author three full-length plays. Bill's adventurous spirit took him across the country, sharing the gospel through church meetings, prison, and street ministries. After marrying Joyce Stone, the love of his life, in 1974, they continued traveling ministries for a year before settling in Baldwinsville, NY. The call of home was strong, and in 1980, they returned to Bill's hometown, Bradford, NY, to raise their children. Here, Bill continued his church ministry, served as a Deacon at the Bradford Baptist Church, and worked construction while simultaneously operating a fur trade business until his retirement.

He was a man who loved the outdoors, including hiking, fishing, hunting, trapping, and enjoying the view of the lakes from his beloved land. Bill was known for his intriguing life stories, and he always had a prank to play or a joke to tell. Bill's bold spirit, charisma, laughter and loyalty will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Bradford Baptist Church, 2788 Yawger Hill Rd., Bradford, NY, 14815 on Sunday, July 30, 2023 with calling hours from 2PM-3PM and a service to follow at 3PM; Pastor Chris Durham and Larry Dykes will be officiating. There will be a private family burial at the convenience of the family at the Tyrone Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to CareFirst, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY 14870, https://carefirstny.org/, or to the Bradford Baptist Church.

Bill's family has entrusted his care to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc. To leave a loving memory or condolence, please visit his memorial page at www.haugheyfuneralhome.com.