Rev. Dr. William Henry Chadwick Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

GORHAM - Rev. Dr. William Henry Chadwick, 64, went home to be with the Lord on May 2, 2020, as a result of a motorcycle accident. He was born in Burlington, Vermont on August 19, 1955, the second youngest child of Lloyd and Margaret (Bissonette) Chadwick. Bill grew up in Shelburne, Vermont, and was a graduate of Champlain Valley Union High School class of 1973. He went on to earn his BA from Johnson State College in 1977, and then a Master of Divinity from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, graduating in 1982. During his work career, he also completed a Doctor of Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary. While in seminary, Bill began his professional career as a student minister at Free Christian Church in Andover, Massachusetts, where he met Carol Anderson. They were married on May 27, 1984. He then began work at the Evangelical Bible Church in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire where he served from 1984 until 1990. Bill and Carol then moved to Gorham, Maine, where they raised two sons, Benjamin and Daniel, and Bill became pastor at the Stroudwater Christian Church in Portland, Maine, where he served for 30 years. Being an active husband and father brought much joy to Bill’s life. Sports, hunting, fishing, boating, hiking and coaching were some of his favorite activities. He loved to keep busy by restoring antique cars. He was an avid reader. Bill also devoted a great deal of time as an active Rotarian in the Westbrook/Gorham club. Bill’s passion in life was serving his Lord which he did in a variety of ways. In addition to the ministry of the local church, he made countless missions trips throughout his life in hopes of helping those less fortunate. His travels included Nigeria, Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and locally to Washington County, Maine. He also authored a book, Stealing Sheep, in 2001, about the ethics of church growth. One of Bill’s greatest legacies in life will be how he communicated with others through the power of humor and laughter. Above all, Bill will be remembered as a truly selfless man who found joy in leading others to faith and helping them to fall passionately in love with Jesus Christ. Bill was predeceased by his mother and father. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 36 years, Carol Chadwick; his sons, Benjamin Chadwick and his partner, Talinga McClinton, and Daniel Chadwick; siblings, Barbara Guyette, Eileen Slattery, Marcia Moston and her husband Robert, Michael Chadwick and his wife, Georgie, and Janet Chadwick; mother-in-law Naomi Anderson, sister-in-law Judith Salibe and her husband Paul, and brother-in-law, Gregory Benoit; as well as many nieces, nephews, loved ones and friends. Due to social distancing requirements, a private service is being planned for Bill’s immediate family. A celebration of life will be held at a later point with a date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s name can be made be to Stroudwater Christian Church at 1520 Westbrook Street, Portland, ME 04102 or via the church website at Stroudwater.org. Arrangements are in the care of the Gorham Chapel of Dolby, Blais & Segee, 76 State Street, Gorham, ME 04038.

Rev. Dr. William Henry Chadwick

August 19, 1955 - May 2, 2020