1923 – 2014

NORWAY — Emile Joseph “Whistling Bill” Bedard, 91, of Norway, passed away at his daughter, Linda’s, home on Saturday evening, June 14, after a brief period of failing health.

He was born in Norway on April 11, 1923, a son of Nazaire P. and Celanire (Demers) Bedard. He attended Norway schools and worked in local factories, Cummings Mill and Wilner Wood Heel Products. He proudly served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Later, he became a master barber, which was a vocation he really enjoyed because he was a “people person.” He owned and operated Bill’s Barber Shop and retired after 50 years. During his last few years of barbering, he worked at Lee’s Barber Shop with his grandson, Lee Ellingwood.

In 1942, he married Lona Noble Brill, whom he met while playing in her father’s orchestra. In 2012, they celebrated 70 years of marriage. Playing together was a joy they both shared. He played guitar, violin, banjo, harmonica, ukulele and any other stringed instrument. Some of the musical groups he played in were the Maine Melody Mountaineers, the Northeasters, the Felt Band and the Bedard Trio. In 1998, he was the 49th inductee into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame. He and Lona also played in area churches and nursing homes, and at various functions.

One of the joys of his life was his 10 grandchildren. He enjoyed taking them fishing and taught them many practical lessons about life.

He is survived by three daughters, Mary Cook of Livermore, Emilia Fogg of Norway and Linda Ellingwood and her husband, Jerry, of Norway; former son-in-law, Donald Fogg, of Norway; nine grandchildren, Terrence and Gina Parker, Kenneth and Sue Parker, James and Bonney Fogg, Joseph and Stefanie Fogg, Jeffrey and Katrina Fogg, Julie and Garth Nicholson, Lee and Robin Ellingwood, Jason Ellingwood and Brady and Sara Ellingwood; 24 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Lona, in 2012; son-in-law, Reginald Cook; grandson, Jeremy Ellingwood; great-granddaughter, Sommer Evelyn Fogg; and three brothers and one sister, Nazaire P. Bedard Jr., Edmond J. Bedard, Francis P. Bedard and Anna Bedard.

“Bill” was a Christian, who enjoyed sharing his faith in Christ with family and friends alike, offering them a Gospel of John, which meant so much to him. A special thank-you goes to the staff at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris and Dr. Kieliszek and his staff at Oxford Hills Internal Medicine.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.