William Henry Bonney

William Henry Bonney (Bill), age 75, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 23, 2025. He was born in Portland, Maine, to Raymond and Earla Bonney. Bill graduated from Gray-New Gloucester High School in 1967 and went on to serve in Vietnam as a Sergeant in the United States Army.

After returning from Vietnam, Bill met his lifelong partner, Ruthanne (Spurling) Bonney. They married and had two incredible boys, James and Christopher. Bill cherished spending time with his family, teaching his sons to hunt, fish, and master woodworking skills. A true craftsman, he was always working on a project and was known for his perfectionism.

Following his service, Bill began working as a painter for Sullivan Brothers before becoming a Process Engineer at Pioneer Plastics, where he eventually retired.

Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ruthanne; his son, Christopher; and the light of their lives, his grandson, Jax. He is also survived by two brothers, Ronald Sawyer of Florida and Milton Sawyer of New Hampshire; his mother-in-law, Elaine Spurling of Gray, Maine; three brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Some of Bill’s fondest memories included camping, family canoe trips down the Saco River, watching his sons play school sports, and taking cruises with friends and family. For nine years, he and Ruthanne enjoyed splitting their time between Maine and Florida. Bill especially loved hunting trips to Byron with his good friend John West and fishing at Collyer Brook. He also cherished the lively and memorable times spent with his buddies Floyd Wing and Kevin Trinward.

Bill was predeceased by his son, James Bonney; his parents, Raymond and Earla Bonney; and his father-in-law, Harley Spurling Sr.

A graveside service will be held in the spring, followed by a celebration of Bill’s life. Details will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Bill’s memory to:

James Bonney Scholarship Fund
C/O Ruthanne Bonney
68 Ramsdell Road
Gray Maine 04039

The Obituary is pending. 

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