William Forrest Davenport

CHELSEA – The world may not be as funny of a place for a little bit as we had to say goodbye to William Forrest Davenport on April 5, 2023. “Duffy” as some called him, “Wild Bill” to others, passed away at his home in Chelsea, just the way he wanted it.

Bill was born on July 6, 1949 and spent his childhood years in Whitefield before he set out into the world as a young man serving in the U.S. Navy. His years as a sailor led him to points around the world and countries far away, which most likely played a hand in his uncanny ability to tell jokes and drop one liners with the best of them.

Once his sailing days were over, Bill went on to spend a few years in Florida and California before his love of Maine and the inability to get Allens and Yellow Cap brought him back home. He settled down in Chelsea and called it home for the rest of his life where he was surrounded by ping pong playing buddies, and neighborhood kids eager to use every power tool in the garage.

Bill knew what it took to be a classic Mainer, the type not confined by an office or a schedule. The type not afraid to try any style of work, to do it well, then go do something else the next day. Over the years, he spent time being a carpenter, digging worms, climbing trees with chainsaws, and lastly, helping the “Maine Cabin Masters”. Bill was with the crew filming the pilot episode up in the Allagash back in 2015 and right along side them up to the end, on set during filming just a few weeks ago. You would think that being on dozens of episodes of a popular TV show would be his greatest accomplishment, not even close! Reconnecting and spending time with his daughter, Chana, son-in-law, Stephen and becoming a grandfather to Jordan Wallace Keating, was by far his proudest and most cherished accomplishment. Another reason why we can all smile a little bit knowing he will definitely be resting in peace.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Chana Danielle Keating (Garmier), husband Stephen Michael Keating, and his grandson, Jordan Wallace Keating of Florida; sister, Flora Peyton and husband Marc Moonlight of Colorado, sister, Florence Harrelson of Maine, and brother, Howard Davenport of Colorado.

He was predeceased by his father, William F. Davenport Sr., and his mother, Barbara R. Davenport (Trainor).

Like a lot of classic, legendary Maine men, Bill was the type of guy who some may say looked a bit rough on the exterior, but had a heart of gold. He was selfless, always willing and insisting to give you what he could, and not afraid to tell you like it is. Over the years, Bill had many great friends with a few people that were really special and meant a lot to him. He helped raise Joe Andrews and Rebecca Travis, and was very proud of being a part of their lives. In the last decade, Bill had a very close and special friendship with Ashley Morrill and her husband Ryan Eldridge, being a father figure, mentor, best friend, and pretty much a pain in the ass, which they will FOREVER be grateful for.

And lastly, did any of you know, our friend Bill was an accomplished pilot? As he told it…” his dad would cut wood and he would pile it”.

While we’re pretty sure Bill didn’t want a service or anything fancy, we’re going to celebrate him anyway. Please join us on Friday, May 12 at the Woodshed in Manchester, (911 Western Ave.) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to celebrate our friend “Wild Bill”.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, where condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family at http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com