William Thomas LaFond, 51, passed away on September 1, 2025. He lived in Maine his entire life — the place he loved most and always called home.

Bill graduated from Deering High School in 1992 as a decorated athlete. He carried a deep and lasting respect for all of his coaches. Many remember Bill as an unstoppable legend — an incredible talent in baseball, basketball, and golf. As a golfer, he earned All-State accolades and was a medalist champion. At his home course of Riverside, he was one of the most sought-after playing partners and scramble captains. After the many tournaments he won, Bill would celebrate the only way he knew how — by buying drinks for everyone, including his opponents. Winning was sweet, but sharing the moment was always what mattered most.

Shortly after graduating, in 1993 Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army. In the spring of 1995, he met one of his closest lifelong friends and assistant gunner, Matt Gioia. Bill was stationed in Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment at Fort Campbell, where he served in the 60mm mortar platoon. As an 11C infantryman, his role demanded precision, strength, and speed — and Bill excelled at all of it. While attending Air Assault School, he completed the 12-mile run and finished first — the PT stud that he was.

In 2005, Bill married Janna Williams, and together they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Brianna. Her arrival was, without question, the greatest moment of Bill's life — and anyone who knew him knew that. He was one of the best "girl dads" out there — endlessly patient, wildly fun, and completely devoted. Bill brought Brianna into every part of his world.

Some of her fondest memories with him were at Riverside Golf Course, where he let her drive the cart while he launched drives a country mile. She loved tagging along on job sites with Christina, just to catch a glimpse of her dad in action. His face always lit up when he saw her — every single time. And no matter where they were, his laugh — that big, infectious, unforgettable laugh — would bounce off the walls and fill the space around them. It was the kind of laugh that made everything feel lighter.

In 2015, Brianna moved to Florida with her mother and stepfather, Kevin Smith. Though they now lived in different states, the distance only deepened their connection. Their faces would light up the moment they reunited at the airport, and their time together in Maine was always filled with laughter, love, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime.

After his military service, Bill returned to Maine and built a successful roofing career. He was the proud co-owner of Shamrock Roofing and longtime business partner with his best friend — and chosen brother — Chris O'Brien. As a roofer, Bill was unmatched — fast, fearless, and famously calm when things got tricky. He worked hard, took pride in his craft, and made sure the people around him knew how much he cared.

For the last 11 years of his life, Bill was lucky enough to share it with his partner, Christina Jipson. Christina brought Bill comfort, companionship, and unconditional love — not only standing by his side, but truly walking through life with him. Whether helping him through rough patches or just showing up every day with love and laughter, Christina was his safe place and constant support. Their bond was real, deep, and fiercely loyal — the kind of love that made everything better. Bill's legacy is one of heart. He lived big, loved even bigger, and made every person around him feel seen and valued. Whether you knew him from the job site, the golf course, the Army, or just around town — if you knew Bill, you knew what it meant to be loved without condition. He gave his full self to the people he cared about, and he did it without expecting anything in return.

Bill is predeceased by his beloved grandparents, Kathryn Foran (whom his daughter Brianna got her middle name from) and Robert Foran Sr.

He is survived by and sorely missed by his parents, Jane and Neil Oelstrom of Summerfield, Florida, and also the son of John LaFond of North Windham; the love of his life, his daughter Brianna Kathryn LaFond of Key West, Florida; his significant other, Christina Jipson, her children, and their grandson Hunter Lee of South Portland; and his sister, Betsy LaFond of Orlando Florida.

He is also survived by his extended family — Chad, Erika, Kirsten, and their families — whom he loved and respected deeply, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews across the country.

He will be remembered for his loyalty, his strength, his enormous heart, and most of all — for that unforgettable laugh that filled every room and made it feel like home. Bill made life more fun, more real, and more loving just by being in it.

He will be missed more than words can ever say, and he will be loved for all time.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Maine Recovery Advocacy Project.