William Byras Jr., known to family and friends as “Bill,” passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the age of 60, following a brief illness. He died surrounded by his wife, daughters, and mother.
Born in 1954, Bill spent most of his life growing up on the family farm in Bowdoin, Maine. As a boy, he hunted rabbits, birds, and deer with his father, uncles, and cousins, forming close family bonds that lasted throughout his life.
Bill had a lifelong passion for cars—especially fast ones. He owned many throughout his life, with a particular fondness for Chevy muscle cars and the Buick Grand National.
After working for many years as a pipefitter at Bath Iron Works, Bill began employment at Giberson Buick-Pontiac in 1988. He worked first at the parts counter and later moved into car sales, where he remained for the next 20 years. Known for his remarkable memory, Bill rarely forgot a face, a name, or a car.
Bill and his wife Pam shared 40 years of marriage and raised two daughters, Stephanie and Michele. He took great joy in watching his grandsons, Sean and Joseph, grow into young men.
Among those closest to him, Bill was known for his happiness in the kitchen. His cooking and cocktail creations were legendary among family and friends, reflecting his good taste and generous spirit.
Bill is survived by his wife, Pamela Byras (Elwell) of Bowdoin; his daughter Stephanie Bernier of Topsham; his daughter Michele Byras-Chase of Topsham and her husband Kevin Chase; his grandsons Staff Sgt. Joseph Bernier of Great Falls, Montana, and Sean Bernier of Topsham; and his mother, Ernestine Byras (Ward) of Bowdoin.
He was predeceased by his father, William Byras Sr. of Bowdoin; his sister Linda Lee; and his beloved pit bull, Ellis.
The Byras family expressed heartfelt thanks to the Cardio Pulmonary team and all caregivers at Central Maine Medical Center for their compassion and care.
Bill was cremated, and a memorial service was planned for the following month.
Sources
Obituary published in the Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram via Legacy.com:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/mainetoday-pressherald/name/william-byras-obituary?id=18940543