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William Chinnock Obituary

William Bill
    Chinnock, 59
     YARMOUTH -- William Bill Chinnock, 59, died on Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at his home in Yarmouth.
     A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2007, at 2 p.m. at First Parish Congregational Church on Main Street in Yarmouth.
     Donations in Bill's memory may be sent to his eight-year-old son William's Educational Fund at:
    Bath Savings Institution
     424 U.S. Route 1
    Yarmouth, Maine 04096
     For those unable to attend condolences may be expressed at www.funeralalternatives.net
     Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives, LLC 25 Tampa St. Lewiston.
    Service Announcement

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on Mar. 14, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for William Chinnock

63 Entries

peter stinchfield

June 7, 2020

An old co worker friend of mine & I traveled down to Rhode Island from Mass. to see Bill & Band. He Ripped up His Strat & played "Brilliant Blues Harmonica" standing on an Old Piano at one point there in the Club. This was in that Real Bluesy time period. 76/77 . My ex brother in Law in Lisbon,Me. got me into the Dime Store Heroes Recording. As I right this I am watching Him now with Dad in Law Dick Curless ! What a Blessing that we WILL see them again. There is Music in Heaven ! Love 2 Family Pete Stinchfield

Tony DiAngelo

April 12, 2007

My friend Art M introduced me to the music of Bill. A pleasure and a treasure I will have forever! God rest your soul! Your music will live forever! You will be greatly missed!

[email protected] Art M

Tony DiAngelo

Dave Sheil

April 8, 2007

Of all the good times I enjoyed in the clubs and music halls of Maine...It was the evenings in the audience of Bill Chinnook and the DimeStore Heroes that were the most memorable!!! Big George Walker - Something For Everybody - Saturday Night - and all the rest of the early "hits" will forever be in my memory...and Oh Yeah...Thanks Bill and Sam for the "first Round" so many times....And the Silver Boots shall SHINE ON! God Bless You and comfort your family and fans!

Caroline Payne

April 8, 2007

Many thanks to all for such lovely memories of my dear brother. Danny, I too remember your mom waiting for you during band practice. Vini, Vlad, Gary, Michael, Tony, John (and so many more) thanks to you for your kind thoughts.
Thanks also for the wonderful support of my friends and God's strength that always carries us through.
He will live on as a music legend to so many, but always as just my only brother to me.
Billy, I will always love and miss you.

Kenny Sheil

April 8, 2007

Dear friends and family of Mr. Chinnock;
I have to tell you that Bill's music has been a major part of my life since the day I bumped into Sam Hall at O.O.B. in 1979 or 1980, and was invited to be on the guest list for a show that night at the Beachcomber, and meet Bill. I can't describe to what degree Bill's music and his (and his bands') performances thrilled me whenever I went to see any number of the band's lineups over the years since that gig; thanks to Sam's and Bill's generosity. Soundtrack of my life? - yes, in many ways! My utmost gratitude to YOU, for supporting Bill throughout his life, and my deepest sympathies to you ALL.
sincerely, Kenny Sheil

lee hebert

April 7, 2007

Today marks one month. It is still hard to beleive he is gone. I pray for Terry, William,John, Wilson, Caroline and the rest of the family for their loss. The band and all involved that have lost so much too. I want to say Thank You Bill for all the great times you have given me and all the memories we all have and will cherish until the day we meet again. Rest now, my freind.

Jodie Mosher-Towle

April 4, 2007

Now living in CT and summering in ME,I found out about Bill's passing from my mom while on vacationing in Key West. I was stunned. I knew my best friend from Maine would have called to tell me first and I called my house for messages and there it was. My sister also left me a cell phone message to be sure I knew...those 3 people letting me, Bill Chinnock's biggest fan for 2 decades, made me realize what a HUGE influence his words and music played in my life. He was such a great entertainer! I am so sorry for your loss as we all lost the day he passed.

Ron Lapointe

March 29, 2007

Drumming in the Bill Chinnock band from '75 to '77 will always remain an amazing, unforgettable experience. He heard my band play in Brewer, Maine one night in '74(Stable Inn), flew me to audition in NYC, hired me, and moved to Maine shortly thereafter. He dubbed me "Bigfoot" and the "legend" of the North Country began his journey in Maine. He was an intense showman, intelligent, witty man, though unpredictable and, and, at times, impossible. But through it all, he was a consumate professional who knew what he was suppose to do in this lifetime. It was special to play on "Alive at the Loft" and "Badlands" with him and Harry King, Vladamir, and others, but even more special to do the live shows as many have shared. So to all of you "Mainers"(my true homies) who shared the many great moments at The Red Barn, the Boothbay harbor playhouse, the Loft, and countless other gigs,I join you in saying goodbye Bill rest in peace.

Art

March 28, 2007

Bill was the first musician I ever went to Asbury to see. Rest in peace.

Joann Kovacich, Ph.D.

March 28, 2007

I had the pleasure of knowing Bill Chinnock over the past 10 plus years. During this time we worked on various multimedia projects together ranging from web designs, to web courses, to interactive learning tools to meet the training needs of health care professionals. As dedicated as he was to his work, Bill was a devoted family man who fluidly integrated family life on a daily basis. While attending meetings and/or photo shoots at Bill’s home-based studio, it was not uncommon for his wife, mother, or father to stop by and share some eventful news of the day or a cup of coffee. When any family member needed his attention and care, business meetings were scheduled around their needs. While filming on site for a project on rural aging, Bill arranged for accommodations so his then pregnant wife could join him. After the arrival of his son, William, it was not usual to be talking with Bill while he was proudly and happily taking care of his son. And through the years there had been lots of “Daddy Time”; special times set-aside just for Bill and his son with no interruptions.

Bill had committed himself to providing a healthy and happy environment for William. Watching Bill successfully juggle his roles as household provider and loving father was truly inspirational given the demands of modern times. Imaginative, creative, always supportive and willing to lend a hand to anyone, Bill was one of those rare individuals that enrich our lives.

David Budin

March 26, 2007

I was 18 when I was in a band with Bill. I had just come from Cleveland to NYC, and in the few months I spent with Bill in the band, he taught me so many things -- about music, business and life -- things that I still use, almost 40 years later. I am really sorry to hear that he's not around anymore.

Kristie LeBlanc

March 26, 2007

I was so blessed to have worked with Bill. It was 1996 and I was just out of college... not realizing that I was working for what I would later call, ‘A true legend'. Bill & I shared many memories including filming the breathtaking film, The Forgotten Maine. Bill taught me way more than the occupation, he taught me how to treat people and that life was a true gift. He was an amazing, honorable and outstanding man, I will never forget him. He had a great impact on my life and I will always hold a very special place in my heart for him.

I visited with him on Tuesday, just one day before he passed. We had a beautiful visit, but he was in such pain. I will remember him quoting his Mom saying, everyday when he was a child his Mom would wake him up with, "The sun is shining and the birds are singing". Wherever he is now, I am positive that the sun is shining and the birds are singing. Thank you god for the beautiful gift of Bill.

Danny Federici

March 26, 2007

Billy was instrumental in my life and career. I made my first record with Billy and that is where it began. We started making music together when I was 16 and my mom would drive me to his house in NJ. The rest is history. My thoughts are with you Wilson and Caroline. Billy, my old friend, you will be missed by many. Sweet dreams.

Jeanne Kempers

March 22, 2007

I was so bummed to hear not only of Bill's death, but that he had suffered with pain. I watched WCSH-TV's coverage of his Memorial Service last Sat. and wept.

This great rock 'n roll-er was such a hit. My friends and my brother would often go see him at Bill Dowd's "THE LOFT" in Portland back in the 70's. What a blast we had boogey-ing to his music, with a couple of beers under our belts. He'd look down at us from the stage while we danced and smiled at us all, enjoying it as much as we did. I even loved the way he wore his hair - kind of long but trimmed.
Good-lookin' rocker.

Approx.15 yrs later, he walked into my place of employment in central Maine to apply for a permit.
I asked for his ID (he looked familiar with those sunglasses on, but...) and when I saw it was Bill Chinnock, I smiled ear-to-ear. "OH MY GOSH," I said. "I used to dance to your music at THE LOFT. I loved it." He gave that great smile of his and thanked me. He actually lived in my town now !! (Fairfield, ME) Unreal.

I send my deepest sympathy to his family. To this day, I still feel an emptiness in me because he's gone, and sadness that he'd been hurting for quite some time.

I loved your music, Bill, your voice, your stage presence. Thank you for all the good times I had with my friends because of you. I'll never forget you, and may you find peace and tranquility in Heaven with your co-horts. God Bless and good-bye for now.

A big fan,

Jeanne (Fox) Kempers
Fairfield, ME
(formerly of Cape Eliz., ME)

John Leach

March 22, 2007

I never got to meet him - but his music and legacy will live on - sad to hear of his passing - rest in peace

Albee Tellone

March 21, 2007

Like my old pal Vini Lopez, I knew Bill from 1970-71 when his band played often at the Upstage Club in Asbury Park, NJ. He was a force to be reckoned with and Bruce did his best to stay one step ahead of Bill. He gave the gift of his music to the world and what a fine gift it was. He was one of the greats. We will all miss him.

Richard Skelly

March 21, 2007

Bill Chinnock was a great musician to interview for the newspaper, but an even better guest on my radio show. It was fascinating to listen to him tell stories about the Asbury Park music scene of the 1960's and 70's.
I was never so psyched to see a show as I was the one slated for Sat. Dec. 4, 2003 at the Stone Pony. Bill had come on my radio show two nights before in New Brunswick, at WRSU-FM. He so impressed me as a guest and as a person, when we went out afterwards with Vini Lopez and John Luraschi, I felt like I'd known him all by life.
Anyway, there was a huge blizzard that started the morning of Dec. 4th. I remember calling Vini during the day to see if he was going to chance it. I took a drive around that afternoon thru East Brunswick and quickly came back to the house, not even attempting to get on Route 18.
Fortunately, another show was scheduled for the following spring, and I last saw Bill well enough to put in a powerful performance at the Wonderbar.
His great songs will live on, 'Blues Falling Down Like Rain' has already become something of a modern blues standard.
Tune in online in coming weeks for details on a proper radio tribute to Bill Chinnock over the airwaves on the Low-Budget Blues Program, Thursday nights from 8-10 p.m., 88.7 FM,
Lance Larson has old Bill Chinnock records, as does Vini Lopez, so we'll work with their schedules to create a meaningful radio tribute to Bill Chinnock, an inspiring person, friend, songwriter and musician.

Richard Skelly
Host,
Low-Budget Blues Program
WRSU-FM, New Brunswick
Thursday 8-10 p.m.

Vini Lopez

March 20, 2007

Bill Chinnock
Vladimir and Myself drove to maine to pay our respects for this man and Bill was quite a man. A real Man. If Bill were a multiple choice question, the answer would be Z all of the above. Bill covered the alphabet in all that he did. He was a man of the world, a great trubador of the music that he shared with us all through our lives. And thank God that his wonderful music will always be with us.
Myself, Danny Federici, Garry Tallent, Vladimir and many more met Bill while we were teenagers. From that day on Bill showed us the way to do something that we all shared in our lives, Music. Bill took us all to the next level. He showed us how to live our lives. Now when you are in a band with Bill he becomes everything in your life. He was yopur brother. He was your sister. He was your father, your mother, your shrink, your doctor. He was your friend. He was your enemy.But always he was there for you, through thick or thin, Bill was there on your side.
Bill Chinnock wore all of the hats with pride that made him who he was.
Bill was one of my oldest and dearest friends. I loved him and I will miss that Crazy old Rock and Roll Mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

john

March 20, 2007

Crown Liquor is a great song; I've seen Steel Mill Retro do it and it stays with you possibly more than the other tunes it seems.

Howard Levine

March 20, 2007

Bill & I were fellow guitarists in the Brooklyn Bluesbusters, around 1970 in NYC. He was a great talent. I recall he and his lovely sister Caroline. I was shocked to hear of his passing. May I convey my deepest condolences to his family. & friends. Rest in peace, Bill.

March 19, 2007

What sad news. My friends and I would go to the Beachcomber at OOB in the early 80's whenever he was there. In fact, we would always try to catch his concerts where ever he played. One of my favorite songs is Dime Store Hero. In fact, I was just playing it not too long ago and was thinking of him.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Deb

Karen

March 18, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Chinnock family. We would also like to send our sincere sympathy to the Payne family. AC, Ben and Karen Colello

John(Lizzard) Lessatd

March 17, 2007

Many of us drove to him also with him. He was awesome!

Bill Wolf

March 17, 2007

I was stunned and very saddened to learn of Bill's passing.
What I remember most about Bill, was the incredible strong drive that he emulated and which he inspired to others. Bill had a unique gift of boundless creative energy as a composer and musician.
I firmly believe that Bill's creative spirit was the leading spark which eventually paved the way to the "glory days" of the Asbury music scene.

Victor

March 17, 2007

My deepest sympathies to Bill's family and friends. I enjoyed his performances from the 70s to the 00s, and will miss his music greatly.

Lynne

March 17, 2007

I am deeply saddened by the news of Bill’s passing. He was one of my favorite local guys. I always felt like I was a late comer to Bill Chinnock and his music, first seeing him at Big Man's in 1982. My friend reminded me that was 25 years ago! Bill played the area alot that year. I was able to catch him at Big Man's on March 13,1982 and again April 24. On June 4th 1982, Bill played over at the Fast Lane. On June 26, 1982, Bill was joined by Bruce for Dime Store
Heroes, Hound Dog, What's a Boy To Do, We're Just The Boys on The Avenue, then Clarence joined them for Lucille. This was at Big Man's. I think that was all for that year. What a rockin' year '82 was. How lucky to live at the Jersey Shore and be a rock and roll fan. The last time I got to see Bill play was Sept 2005 at the Wonder Bar. It was such a great show. We will miss you down here Bill.

MaryAnn C.

March 17, 2007

What sad, sad news. I had the pleasure of seeing Bill perform many times in the late '70s early '80's. Thirsty's in Old Orchard Beach will be an especially fond memory. An incredibly talented man. My condolences to his family. Bill, I hope you are at peace in heaven. Rock on.

Ed Kaz

March 16, 2007

I'll never forget Bill's incendiary shows at Big Man's West and the Stone Pony back in the early eighties. Few musicians possessed his passion. He will be missed!

T L

March 16, 2007

RIP Bill....you left your mark on the Jersey SHore music scene.

Maurice & Barbara Bard

March 16, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. One of your neighbors on the Ridge Rd.

Eva (Big E) Graham

March 16, 2007

I had the pleasure of seeing Bill several times in the early '80s down at the Jersey shore. My friends loved him and I grew to love him, as well. I attended the SOAP festivities in Asbury Park in Dec 2006 with hopes of seeing Bill again, but sadly, he couldn't make the trip. My condolences to Bill's family and friends.

Cheryl Hoyt

March 16, 2007

I enjoyed working with and knowing Bill. He seemed to be at home at Big Sound, where he recently was involved with a recording and displayed his immeasurable love of music..I will dearly miss him.. Cheryl, Pres. and owner of Big Sound Productions and Studios.

Ruth Fortin-Havens

March 15, 2007

I loved Bill's music. A great memory was when I went to Pittsfield Theater with my former husband and close fiends, John and Sue. He was awesome...God bless his family.
RIP Bill and gkeep singing with the angels.

a loyal fan

March 15, 2007

I am deeply saddened at the news. Myself and my friends have enjoyed Bill's music for years. Although I have seen him perform many times, one night at the Solon Hotel will forever be a lasting memory. We all had a blast!We all tell our kids the story of that night! He is one of a kind. Goodbye to the Legend of the North Country

John Youney

March 15, 2007

Your music is a part of our life, therefore thou shall live on....

Jay

March 15, 2007

No words could ever express the sympathy I feel for Bill's family. Because for even the immeasurable gift of great music that he's given to each of us, to them he was, somehow, even more. The positive impact he's had on thousands, no matter how brief, gives us cause and reason, to deal with our grief. Bill, you have a permanent home in my heart, and my ipod. As he said " ...it's too late for me, you'll have to shine for me. Shine on!" You will be very sadly missed but you made my life better than it would have been otherwise, peace be with you.

An OLD Fan

March 15, 2007

good Gosh, I am so sorry. I remember Bill from my life in the fast lane 80's. He was awesome. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Go Rest High on the Mountain Bill, Sing with the Angels!

Sue Barrett

March 15, 2007

Bill, and his band, was also a huge part of my life back in the early 80's - I traveled up and down the East Coast to hear him play and get to know him as a friend - his albums don't capture the depth of his live performances - I was glad that I was able to see him perform again in recent years at the Stone Pony and in NYC at BBKing's. Bill never let on that he was sick. He still had the same energy and presence on stage. His enormous gift will be missed and I'm grateful that I can still hear his music. My deepest sympathies to his family. Sue Barrett

Marilyn Calio

March 15, 2007

Bill was such a tremendous part of my life during the 80's at the Jersey Shore I can't put that into words. He was one of the most vivid memories of my growing up years. He and his music brought much joy and happiness to my life and I was incredibly saddened and shocked when I recieved the news of his passing. I saw Bill and the band a few years ago at BB Kings in NYC. It was 2 weeks before I turned 50 and about a dozen friends and I had a table right up front. Bill's show was fabulous as always and we had a blast. I spoke with bill both before and after his show and he never let on that he was sick.

Rock and Roll Heaven just scored big!!

RIP Bill ....I won't forget you!

Natalie Pellerin

March 15, 2007

My sincere sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your beloved Bill. He was a dynamic person, filled with life and great spirit which touched many people during his life. He will be greatly missed. May God give you and your family the strength and courage to endure the pain of your loss.

Linda Damon

March 15, 2007

My sincere condolenses to Terry, William and family. I remember what a thoughtful and loving Dad he was while a young William was enrolled at La Daycare pre-school and daycare in Waterville. I'm so sorry for your lose.
Sincerely,
Linda Damon

PAT N

March 15, 2007

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY BILL, I KNOW YOU ARE SAFE IN HEAVEN WITHOUT PAIN.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Jodi Ireland

March 14, 2007

Bill, without you I would have never gotten the help I needed. Thank you for all your care and concern over the years. You will be missed. Now you can rest. My prayers go out to your family.

Judy

March 14, 2007

Bill spent much of his life doing what he loved...sharing his gift with others. His spirit and love of music will live on in the hearts of many forever.

Bill Malloy

March 14, 2007

It is sad that one who gave so much joy, had to endure so much pain. There were plenty of fun times going out to dance and listen to Bill and his band. My prayers are that he rest in peace.

Robin

March 14, 2007

My deepest sympathy to Bill's family. you will be sadly missed by many. its a pleasure to be able to listin to and greatly enjoy your music.You we're a true rock star.never to be forgotten. ROCK ON

Larry Lerner

March 14, 2007

Bill, and his music left a lasting impression on me. It was a unique privilege to have been in two of his bands.

R.I.P. Bill. Your music brought joy to many, and I am humbled to have been a part of it.

Bill Pratt

March 14, 2007

My prayers for the Chinnock family- may time heal your sorrow and grief,that one day peace and comfort might be restored to your lives-the ones that knew and loved him most.
Bill was blessed with so very much talent.He shared his passion with innumerable people along his journey here.Perhaps it is us that received the bigger blessing.I think so.Thank you God, for giving us Bill Chinnock.

Lynda

March 14, 2007

So sad to hear the news about Bill. Wonderful talent.

Tony Amato

March 13, 2007

God Bless you Billy. You are going to be missed. Thanks for the great times. All my love always.

Fran and Bob Stanhope

March 13, 2007

We will miss Bill beyond belief! He gave us a life long love of live music. He always treated us like we mattered to him...like we were special. HE WAS SPECIAL! Remember his dream...one heart...one world.

Peace...

Cathy D

March 13, 2007

How lucky they are to have someone like Bill in heaven. May the knowledge of the absolute joy and happiness he brought to people through his music help his family in this time of grief.

Doe O

March 13, 2007

We use to live in Monmouth County NJ. The nights of listening Bill play in Asbury will always be remembered. He will be missed dearly.

Samm O

March 13, 2007

A talent gone but never forgotten. Now is his time for the next journey where he can play his music with others in that big band in the universe with the other talents who have passed all too soon...we will hear you again someday, as we have heard you here... Godspeed Bill. We were the fortunate ones to have you share yourself and your music with us.

Sandy McDonald

March 13, 2007

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

BILL DOUGHTY

March 13, 2007

BILL GO WITH GOD -LOTS OF GOOD TIMES AND MEMORIES YOU WILL BE MISSED!!!YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY PRAYERS---

Sandy

March 13, 2007

Thoughts and prayers go out to Bills family... we spent many a night listening to Bills music when he played in the Porland area, he was a great talent and will be missed...

Ann Maloney

March 13, 2007

You and your music were greatly loved.

KD Harris

March 13, 2007

What a tragic loss - we've loved his music and what he did for the industry for years... me, since seeing him at The Loft in the early 1980's... Continue well and in happiness, Bill...

david martens

March 13, 2007

When I was youger,loved watching and hearing him perform,I was inspired to play guitar through him, RIP Bill

Debbie Hebert

March 13, 2007

Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of a loved one. Bill had touched so many people in his life, both on a personal level and as a public figure. I consider myself very fortunate to have known Bill as a friend and as a fan of his music.

May God keep you all at peace.

Danielle

March 13, 2007

May GOD Be with Bills family through this tough time. What a great guy we have lost. My prayers go out to the Chinnock family.

bill lessard

March 13, 2007

i enjoyed his music very much...i saw him perform many times in the portland area back in the 70's. what a strong, powerful talent he was indeed. my best to his family, bill lessard

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