Bernard L. Willey

Bernard Willey

Bernard Louis Willey of Casco passed away on September 10, 2021 from complications of COVID-19 at age 78.

He was a Vietnam veteran, a Mason and an outdoorsman.

Bernard had a brilliant engineering mind and was able to design, build, and create anything he imagined at home and especially during his time at the Portland Water District, where he worked for over 30 years.

Bernard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pauline May (née Ames). Together, they enjoyed motorcycle trips from the Canadian Maritimes to Washington state, exploring the byways of North America. Later, they traveled in their RV and camped with their RV club, discovering four- wheeling trails, and seeking new ice cream spots.

Bernard is also survived by his daughter, Lisa Willey, who loved to record his stories, her husband Robert Critchfield, who thought of him as a father, and three beloved grandchildren: Ansel Critchfield, who was learning to use Bernard’s sawmill; Maya Critchfield; Schuyler Critchfield; his great-grandchild, Everett; Ansel’s partner Mary Bryce; his three siblings: Jerry Willey, Richard Willey, and Pat Scheib; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son, Stephen, who died in 1989.

Bernard shared his love of fishing, woodworking, and story-telling with his family. He always looked forward to fishing and hunting, and spending hunting season with his brothers and nephews. He will be sorely missed. His family would like to thank everyone for the cards and telephone calls.

A celebration of Bernard’s life will be planned for the springtime.