Willis "Willie" Raymond Downs
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Willis's obituary
Willis “Grampa Willie” Raymond Downs, 71 of Bridgton, died on August 14th, 2024 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough with his daughter Jennifer, and granddaughter Willa by his side.
Willie was a Fryeburg Fair fanatic, a collector of chickens and all things fowl, a master of tardiness, and a maker of fine sawdust. He was a creator, a procrastinator, a MacGyverism expert, and a jack of all trades. He loved his home in Bridgton, Amato's Italians, his cat Emmy Lou, and listening to the music of Arlo Guthrie and John Prine.
Willie had the gift of gab and was known for his ability to talk with anyone, often running into an old acquaintance, spending too much time reminiscing, resulting in being late for previous plans. He is remembered for being a great travel buddy, an excellent Pictionary partner, and a skilled prankster, often choosing his sisters as his targets.
Willie was predeceased by his parents, Raymond Sutton Downs, and Beatrice Lucille Libby Downs White, as well as his sister, Margaret Lucille McIntyre.
Willie is survived by his loving and faithful partner of 25 years, Sherrill Brown of Sebago, as well as a son, Douglas Downs, daughter-in-law Christie Buotte, and granddaughter Skylar, all of Albany; a son, Gregory Downs of Gorham; daughter Jennifer Mayberry, son-in-law Stacy, and granddaughter Willa, all of Hartland; son Matthew Downs, daughter-in-law Sarah White, and grandchildren Layla, Annie, and Charlie, all of Ellsworth; sister Eleanor Peterson and brother-in-law Bud of Standish, sister Nancy Legere and brother-in-law Richard of Gorham; and brother-in-law Floyd McIntyre and his wife Linda of Springfield, VT. Uncle Willie also leaves behind several beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at Grace Christian Church in Bridgton on October 5, 2024 at 1:00PM. The family asks that guests honor Willis by wearing their favorite Fryeburg Fair, music, or chicken attire.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, or to Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, Fryeburg, ME.
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Willis would have turned 72 on October 28, 2024. Had he been with us in person, he would have resisted all attempts to …
Willis would have turned 72 on October 28, 2024. Had he been with us in person, he would have resis…
Willis would have turned 72 on October 28, 2024. Had he been wit…
- I worked with Willie in the Portland Fire Department and when talking to him, he told me he lived just down the street …
- I worked with Willie in the Portland Fire Department and when talking to him, he told me he lived j…
- I worked with Willie in the Portland Fire Department and when ta…
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