PORTLAND — William “Billy” Chenard, 55, of Salem Township, passed away Tuesday, May 8, at Maine Medical Center from complications following a stroke with his family at his side.

Billy was born on Nov. 18,1956, in Rumford, the son of Earnest “Chendy” and Dorothy Chenard. He grew up in Rumford, graduating from the local high school in 1975, where he was a member of the ski team.

He married Gisele Bedard on Aug. 10, 1991, at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center.

Billy began his time working in the area as manager of the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. He later became a dispatcher for Carrabassett Valley Police Department. Most recently, he was a supervisor for the Aramark Food Service at the University of Maine at Farmington.

In 1972, Billy was recognized as the junior national champion in the Nordic Combined event. After high school, Billy became a member of the U.S. Ski Team. Billy’s skiing success was made possible through the Chisholm Ski Club in Rumford. He remained a member of the Chisholm Ski Club helping with races and watching his children race at Black Mountian.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, skiing and spending time at his family’s camp on Garland Pond in Byron. Billy was devoted to his family and loved spending time with his wife and children. He even built his own house which became home and haven for him and his family.

Billy is survived by his wife, Gisele; his daughter, Lizzie and son, Jay; sisters, Carol Tremblay of Portland, Jacky Arsenault of New Portland, and Catherine Briggette of New Portland; former brother-in-law, Kenny Briggette, of Rumford; his brother, Greg Chenard and wife, Reinette, of Rumford; his mother, Dorothy, of Rumford; nieces and nephews Lindy Briggette, Monica Chenard, Kristen Chenard, and Mario and Maria Tremblay.

He was predeceased by his father, Chendy; his sister, Lizzie; and a brother, Chris.