William Bruce Ibargüen Tyler

FARMINGTON – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William Bruce Ibargüen Tyler on Friday, March 28, 2025. He died peacefully at home under the care of his wife and children. He was a month shy of his 95th birthday.

William, known as Bill or Billy, was born April 26, 1930, in Farmington, Maine. He was the first of four sons born to Guillermo Ibargüen Uribe of Guatemala and Maxine (Tyler) Ibargüen of Farmington. At the tender age of five months, Billy, tucked in a laundry basket, traveled with his parents to Guatemala where he spent his early years, eventually becoming big brother to Charles, Peter and Bobby. For many years, Bill was engaged in tropical agriculture, including managing plantations of cotton and coffee.

In the 1970s, Bill decided to leave Guatemala and return to Maine. He had a vision for a better life for his family. It was his “American Dream” to provide his four children, Bruce, Lorie, Steven, and Sean, with the wonderful opportunities this country provided. A true American Patriot, he cherished the freedoms and safety the United States guaranteed its citizens. Bill always put his family first. He dedicated his life to making certain they were taken care of and thriving as contributing members of society.

Whether in Guatemala or Maine, Bill was always most comfortable spending time outside with nature. In his younger years, he climbed the mountains and volcanoes of the Guatemalan highlands and continued his passion for hiking on the beautiful mountains in western Maine. He also delighted in paddling his canoe, (while standing) across the magnificent Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. In Maine, he enjoyed rowing on Flying Pond, and around Peaks Island in Casco Bay. Bill loved to read about history, especially topics relating to Native American cultures in Guatemala and the United States. Bill collected Mayan artifacts, arrow heads, and paintings of North American Indians, evidence of his admiration for these ancient cultures. He took much pride in his 1870s Victorian home on High Street in Farmington. Bill loved caring for his home, which had once belonged to his great grandfather, Charles H. Pierce. When he first returned to Maine, he hired contractor Merle Smith of Farmington, and together they worked to restore the interior and exterior of the High Street home. Bill and Merle became fast friends, and for many years, continued their working partnership.

In 1985, Bill married Ella Stevens of Boothbay, Maine, and became the much-loved stepdad to Joseph, Julie and Jim Allmon.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Guillermo and Maxine; his younger brothers, Charles, Peter, and Bobby; his daughter Jacqueline; and his first wife, the mother of his children, Maria Cristina (Maquis).

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Ella (Stevens) Ibargüen and their children, William Bruce Ibárgüen and fiancé Kerry Neptune, Lorie and her husband Michael Barber,; Steven and his wife Jackie Ibarguen, Sean and his wife Jody Ibarguen,, Joseph and his wife Bonnie Allmon, Julie and her husband Kevin Mitchell, and Jim and his wife Michelle Allmon. Bill also leaves 16 grandchildren, Solomon, Adina and Miriam Barber; Nicholas, Stefanie, Briana, Mateus, Lucas, Ethan and Brooke Ibargüen; Lily, Elliot, and Graham Mitchell; Jacob, Emma and Ellie Allmon. Bill is also a great grandfather to 13 great grandchildren, Landen in Maine, Mendy, Izzy, Batya, Ita and Shalom in Pittsburgh; Vivi, Izzy, Aura and Hadassah in Australia; Ava and Alaina in Maryland; and Besmé in Alabama. In Guatemala he will also be fondly remembered by his three sisters-in-law Edna, Lillian, and “Canche”, several beloved nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

The Ibarguen family would like to extend a special thanks to the Andwell Hospice Care Team, and also to “Bill’s Angels”, Pam Reed, Amy Edwards, Kelsey Scribner, and Samantha Piccolo who nurtured Bill tenderly during his greatest time of need. Due to their conscientiousness and affectionate care, Bill was able to reside in his home until the end of his life.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 4, at 3 p.m. from Old South Congregational Church, followed by light refreshments in the Church vestry. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road, Thursday from 5 – 7 p.m.

Memories may be shared in Bill’s Book of Memories at http://www.wilesrc.com where a memorial video may be shared and a video feed of services may be viewed. Private family interment will be at the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, later in the spring. Wiles Remembrance Center of Farmington is honored to be caring for Funeral Services.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Bill’s memory and his love of Farmington, consider memorial gifts to the:

Farmington Historical Society

PO Box 575

Farmington, ME 04938 Farmingtonhistory.org