My dad loved baseball. He loved all sports really. But baseball held a special place in his heart. While he followed his Tampa Bay Rays closely, he was knowledgeable on all the greats, and their stats, from other teams and from all eras. Collecting memorabilia, cards & autographed baseballs was a passion for much of his life. Bill passed away peacefully, at the age of 80, on December 16, 2020 in St. Petersburg, FL with his wife Gwen and son Bill Jr by his side.
Life
Bill was born on June 28, 1940 in Rumford, Maine, the oldest of five sons to Clarence & Lorraine Salvas Bourassa. He graduated from Stephens High School in 1959 where he excelled at baseball and basketball and is memorialized in the yearbook as, “a good pal all around was he.” His genuine personality, big warm hugs, and loving energy was welcoming to all who met him.
After high school and duty in the U.S. Air Force, Bill returned home and began a short career in radio. On a hometown Facebook page, many nostalgically remember WRUM radio and mention him by his DJ name, William B. His connections in radio soon opened doors to a 20+ year career in the gasoline business. He owned and operated Bill’s Gorham Gibbs (later Citgo) in Gorham, Maine and lived in the Deering Center area of Portland, Maine. In his early 50’s, the Florida sun began calling. He met his beloved wife Gwen and together they moved and settled in St. Petersburg enjoying their home, the many beaches and being out and about in the sun. Before retirement, he spent 15 years working security for Raymond James.
Military
Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force on February 8, 1962 in Miami, Florida. He was trained as an Aerospace Control and Warning Systems Operator (AC&W) Operator and was honorably discharged as an Airman First Class (A1C) on February 7, 1966. At the of his discharge from the Air Force Bill was entitled to wear the Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal on his uniform.
Family
He leaves his wife Gwen of 24 years, son Bill Jr of Westbrook, ME, step-sons Michael Adriance & his wife Tania of Standish, ME and Mark Adriance of Limerick, ME; grandsons Kyle and Kaleb; granddaughters Elise, Olivia, Paige & Caitlyn; three brothers, Robert, Tim & his wife Linda, Denis and his wife Debbie; a sister-in-law Dale; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his younger brother Dr. David Bourassa on January 27, 2015.
Like his mother and grandmother before him, he died at Christmas time. Other than baseball season, it was his favorite time of year.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
So very sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful kind man, who was loved by all and will be missed. Sending love and prayers of comfort to you Gwen and all the family. <3
We are so sorry for your devastating loss. May your wonderful memories sustain and comfort you. Thinking of you with prayers.
I’m so sorry to hear this Gwen. Sending prayers your way!
So very sorry for your loss.Bill was wonderful and I know you will miss him dearly. Please remember the happy times. As I said before seeing you on your wedding day one could see the love you shared. please hold on to the happy times, thats what gets me through the hard days when we lost your brother. I love you Gwen and will always be here for you. God bless.
Gwen Ron and I are so very sorry for you loss. Bill was a wonderful man who I will never forget his kindness and laugh. I am always there for you, Love you Gwen.
I knew Bill when we were in school together. Sorry for the families loss he was a great guy. Enjoying catching up with at one of the Class of 59 reunions.
May be rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of Cousin Bill’s passing. He was a role model for all us younger cousins and his brothers. He was a good athlete and we admired his love of baseball especially. It was always nice to see him at family events and get caught up on how life was going. He always showed a genuine interest in how we were doing. Although I have not seen him for a very long time I am sure he was still a good hearted, loving man, always concerned about the welfare of others. Condolences to you and your family Gwen.
RIP Bill. You will be missed. Never forgot when he showed me a hat from the famous Babe R
uth.
I attended Stephens High School with Bill. We were battery mate (Pitcher and Catcher) on our baseball team .Bill was very confident and a very good pitcher.Bill always seemed in control of any situation.In addition to HS baseball we were team mates on the legion team where Bill excelled.
Bills greatest and most supportive fan was his Mom. We always knew when she was in the stands at Hosmer field in Rumford, Maine.
Great memories Bill .
Good night dear cousin Bill,you are now with your mom and dad and brother David. May you rest in eternal peace.
So sorry that you lost Bill. This is Jr. Arsenault. Bill, Bob, Timmy ,David Dennis , we all grew up together. I’m only 4 months younger than Bill. Gosh I have such great memories of our many years as next door neighbors. We haven’t seen each other for many years ‘ but I can still say “I love you all “. Bill was, and still is a great guy. And will be great missed I’m sure. R I.P. my dear old friend. I’ll catch up with you some time down the road. The rest of you, take care of yourselves.
My thoughts, prayers and sympathies to Bourassa Family. I loved his smile.
Bill was a nice guy so sorry for your loss God bless him and his family we will meet again some day