Wilfred Dunham (1939-2023)

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Wilfred ‘Willie’ Dunham

Wilfred (Willie) Dunham passed peacefully on May 15, 2023. Willie was born the youngest son of Verna Vining and Ernest Dunham with siblings Harold, Jimmy and Mildred on February 16, 1939. He was married to his sweetheart Janette on February 21, 1958.

Through the years of raising his children he worked at Metcalf’s Mill, many years as a body man at Backus Garage and retiring as a custodian at RSU 9. Many people in Franklin County can share stories of his excellent body work skills.

He spent many of his children’s childhood years camping and bird hunting in the Jackman and West Forks area. He later built family camps in Rangeley Plantation and Embden.

After his children were grown, he built the house that he and his wife have lived in for the past 29 years. He spent several years playing guitar in local Nursing Homes, hosting and attending picking parties with his many talented friends. He and Janette also enjoyed taking their grandchildren and great grandchildren out to eat.

He is predeceased by his parents, siblings, grandson Gordon and 2 great grandsons.

In addition to his wife of 65 years Janette, he is survived by his children Ernie, Kelly (Lisa), Cindy (Ron) and Ken (Diane). Grandchildren Travis (Amanda), Katie (Jamie), Tyson (Amy), Rebekah (Aaron) and Laura (Henry) as well as 8 great granddaughters and 3 great grandsons.
As he requested there will be no services, but should you desire in lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Androscoggin Homecare and Hospice.

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13 Comments

  1. We lost a talented music man and a quiet friend to many. My condolences to his wife and family

    We lost a talented music man and a quiet friend to many. One of Gods best.

  2. My Condolences to all the family. I always enjoyed hearing him play and sing at the Vining Reunion and at other gatherings where he played. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Janette and all at this time. May God Bless you all.

  3. Willie (pops), You made me feel like part of your family since early child hood as Cindy’s friend. I loved hanging out at your house it was a pleasure listening to your music. I will miss you!!
    Much love

  4. My deepest condolences to Kelly, Lisa, Katie and Jamie my heart hurts for all of you

  5. My deepest condolences to Kelly, Lisa, Katie and Jamie. My heart hurts for all of you

  6. To Janette & family, we are so very sad to hear about the passing of Wilfred, we send our sincere condolences to the entire family! May Wilfred rest in peace.

  7. I had the pleasure of working and fishing with Willie. Had some great trips to Rock Pond with him, my Dad and the boys.
    He was a very talented auto body man, helped me out a lot as a young guy breaking into the business.
    My condolences to his entire family, he was very proud of all of you. RIP my friend.

  8. We’re so sorry for your loss, I loved talking music with Willie any chance that we got! Willie demonstrated a great example of how music can be a lifelong love! Our condolences to the whole family.

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