William J. Bowker

William J. Bowker (Bill), 78, passed away on Monday, August 22nd, 2022, after a brief illness. He was the son of James and Geraldine Bowker of Reading, Mass. After graduating from Reading Memorial High School, Bill attended the Wentworth Institute in Boston for Machine Drafting and Tool Operations. He was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War Era, and served in the Airborne Division (101st and 82nd). His career as Machinist/Tool and Die Maker spanned more than 40 years. He was employed by the Reese Corporation (Waltham, MA), GTE Sylvania (Waterboro, ME) and Pratt & Whitney (North Berwick, ME), from where he retired. In 1968, Bill’s love of farmland brought him to Springvale, Maine, where he bought a country home and started a family with former wife Charlotte. He was a wonderful, doting father to Michael and Christine. He worked tirelessly at gardening, raising livestock and harvesting wood for his little homestead. Bill married Ranada in 1984, and became stepfather to Gregory Jimmo. Over the years Bill’s and Greg’s bond grew very strong, with a mutual love and respect. He fulfilled his lifelong farming dreams when he and Ranada bought 90 acres in Easton, ME and started a successful Christmas tree farm. Bill loved Aroostook County and took every opportunity to spend time there. When Amish families settled the neighboring farmland, Bill jumped at the opportunity to welcome his new neighbors. He sought their input on agricultural matters and was fascinated when he watched community barn-buildings. The friendships grew and Bill and Ranada were often visited at their home in Southern Maine. Bill loved to travel and made every trip memorable. In his younger years, family vacations were to Prince Edward Island. The car ride was filled with silly songs and his beautiful singing voice, which made the 10 hour drive more enjoyable. Later journeys that Bill frequently recalled were a wonderful trip to Ireland and another to the Canadian Rockies. Being a family man, Bill was delighted in becoming a grandfather, and more recently, a great grandfather. Cribbage, chess, wonderball, train rides, and kite flying were a few of the activities the grandchildren enjoyed with him. Trips to the tree farm in Aroostook made for special rustic childhood experiences. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ranada; son Michael Bowker and wife Jane; daughter Christine Fortier and husband Scott; stepsons Keith Jimmo and wife Ella, and Doug Jimmo and partner Tammy; granddaughters: Savannah Cresci and husband Ryan, Darrien Jimmo, Brittin Jimmo, and Isabelle Jimmo; grandsons: Joshua Bowker, Robert Bowker, Ethan Fortier and Cody Fortier; and great-grandson Spanner Sabine; Step-grandchildren Megan and Adam Jimmo, and Madison Jimmo; and siblings James (Jack) Bowker, Patricia Brent and Barbara Geary, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his stepson Gregory Jimmo and sister Nancy Perry. Graveside service will be conducted Thursday, September 1, at 1 pm, at Oakdale Cemetery in Sanford, Maine, with Pastor Will Pierce officiating. Following service all are welcome for light snacks at Bill and Ranada’s home at 4 Ellsworth Street, Springvale. Click this link to view additional details about William's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/william-bowker-aug-2022