William Deering Bowie

William (Bill) D. Bowie, 67, of Sanford, died on July 15, 2017 at Southern Maine Medical Center surrounded by his family, following a long and incredibly courageous battle with lung cancer.Bill was born May 6, 1950 in Biddeford to the late Robert L. and Dorothy Goodwin Bowie. He grew up in Saco living at Thornton Academy where his father was the long time Headmaster. He graduated from Thornton in 1968, and while there he was an excellent athlete and team captain in football, basketball and baseball. He attended the University of Maine in Orono and graduated in 1972 with a B.S. in education majoring in earth sciences.While working for the City of Saco in 1976, he met the love of his life, Mary Lou Osborne of Beverly, MA. They were married in 1977 and had been married 41 years, living in Sanford most of their married life.Bill retired from Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in 2015, after 33 years as their environmental engineer.Bill was an avid sports fan and loved following all the Boston professional teams especially the Patriots and Red Sox. He was a devoted fan through all the seasons, good and bad. Bill had a great sense of humor and was always smiling and laughing. He was also a man of few words, but when he spoke his meaning was clear and confident. For these qualities, family and friends enjoyed being around him and he was always happiest to be with the ones he loved.Bill is survived by his devoted wife Mary Lou and their 2 children; William Jr. of Sanford, Karen Garland and husband Scott of Danvers, MA. Bill was a proud and adoring grandfather to 5 grandchildren; William, Aubrey, Novalee, Bryce and Rebecca. He is also survived by his two sisters, Rosemary and husband Hessler P. Gates of Sunapee, NH; his twin, Diane Bowie and husband Michael Zaitlin of Saco as well as many nieces and nephews.In respect to Bill's wishes there will be no formal services. Condolences or memories for the family can be made at www.blackfuneralhomes.com.Those planning an expression of sympathy may want to consider Make-A-Wish Maine, 477 Congress St. Suite M1,Portland, ME 04101 or at www.maine.wish.org.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.