William George Goodale April 23, 1971 – May 13, 2026 “Our hero, our anchor, our forever.” William George Goodale passed away unexpectedly on May 13, 2026, at the age of 55. Billy was a lot of things: a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, a fisherman, a Navy veteran, a musician, a jokester, an animal lover, an outdoorsman, and a hard worker. But the title he held highest was husband and father. Billy showered his loving wife, Karen, and his cherished son, Chace, with a love that was fierce, unwavering, and impossible to miss. Billy graduated from Windham High School in 1989. After graduation, Bill and his close friend Mark built a camper and set out to explore the country together. Working odd jobs along the way to support themselves, the two traveled across North America collecting stories, experiences, and memories that Billy would carry with him for the rest of his life. Billy later attended basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes before being stationed aboard the USS Inchon (LPH-12) out of Norfolk. During his service in the United States Navy between 1992 and 1994, he spent three years serving off the coast of Somalia and earned both an Expeditionary Medal and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon before being honorably discharged. Bill and Karen began their life together in 1997 and were married on September 11, 1999. Through every chapter of life, Karen remained the love of Billy’s life, his best friend, and the person he cherished most. Bill and Karen always loved children and waited many years for the opportunity to become parents. Their family was made complete when they welcomed Chace into their lives in 2015. Billy stepped into fatherhood seamlessly, embracing the role with love, pride, and devotion. Chace quickly became the highlight of his every day, and as the years passed, he proudly became Billy’s little sidekick. Bill was always happiest wherever Karen and Chace were. Whether he was off on an adventure, sailing away on a cruise ship, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home watching a movie or playing a game together, those were the moments he treasured most. No matter where life took him, his greatest joy was always the people beside him. Billy was also a talented musician and singer who was rarely far from a guitar. Those closest to him would tell you that some of their fondest memories were sitting around a campfire or relaxing on a porch listening to Billy strum and sing. Music had a way of bringing people together around him, and he never hesitated to share that gift with the people he loved. Bill’s kind nature showed itself profoundly during the time he spent working as a full-time caregiver for his cousin, Paul “Hulk” Carman. Although Paul was not far apart in age from Bill, he lived with lifelong cognitive and physical impairments caused by complications from chickenpox as an infant. While caring for Paul, Billy never treated him as though he were different or any less than anyone else. Instead, he treated him like a close friend. The two spent countless hours together playing games, singing songs, laughing, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Bill made friends everywhere he went, in small part because of his outgoing personality, but even more because of his ability to accept people for exactly who they were. He had a gift for finding connection with people from all walks of life and making them feel seen, valued, and welcome. In recent years, Bill, Karen, and Chace spent their summers at their beloved camp at Lakeside Pines in Bridgeton, ME. At camp, they found peace in nature and built friendships that quickly became family. Billy will be fondly remembered by his camp family for his loving personality and his unmatched ability to become the life of any gathering. A true kid at heart, he could keep children entertained for hours with games, silly faces, and his gut-busting sense of humor. There was never a dull moment when Bill was around. One former coworker shared a story that perfectly captured Billy’s outlook on life. Years ago, Billy had just started running a delivery route and had been shown the route by a coworker who estimated it should take around five hours to complete. Nearly eight hours later, Billy still had not returned, and his coworker began to worry that something had gone wrong. When Billy finally pulled in, relieved but confused, his coworker asked what had taken so long. Billy casually explained that the week before, while driving the route, he had spotted a good fishing hole. So that day, he brought his fishing pole and lunch, stopped to fish for a while, and simply “lost track of time.” That coworker later shared that the moment changed the way he viewed life for years afterward. It was a perfect reflection of who Billy was — someone who believed in slowing down, enjoying the moment, finding happiness in the simple things, and truly living life to the fullest. On February 10, 2026, Bill, Karen, and Chace lost their home in a devastating house fire. While heartbroken over the loss of their home and belongings, Billy remained focused on what mattered most. He was deeply grateful that his family was safe. In the days that followed, he and Karen often reminded one another that material things could be replaced — but having each other was what truly mattered. Though he will be missed deeply, those who knew and loved Billy continue to be flooded with stories and memories that reflect the kind of man he was — from dancing with his nieces at his wedding, to the quiet ways he cared for people in need, to the deep sense of loyalty, protection, and security he gave to the people he loved most. Billy lived a life full of adventure, laughter, love, music, and unforgettable memories. He leaves behind countless stories, endless laughter, and a family and community who will forever miss his larger-than-life spirit. Billy leaves behind his beloved wife, Karen, and their son, Chace. He is also survived by his parents, George and Pamela Goodale of Windham; his brother, Jim Goodale, wife Tracy, their three children, and two grandchildren; as well as his sister Suzanne Cornish, her five children, and five grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at Grace Baptist Church on June 13 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow. Located at: Grace Baptist Church 476 Summit Street Portland, Me A Celebration of Life will be held at Lakeside Pines, a place that Bill loved dearly. Come as you are to share stories, celebrate his life, and raise a glass in remembrance of him. June 13th at 6 p.m. Located at: Lakeside Pines 54 Lakeside Pines Bridgeton, Me