YARMOUTH – William “Bill” Chinnock, 59, died Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at his home. The son of Wilson and the late Eileen Chinnock, he grew up and attended school in New Jersey and began his career in music as a self-taught musician, mastering the guitar and harmonica and his singing voice. Bill was one of the founding members of the Asbury Park music scene in New Jersey. He was a pioneer in an era that produced many artists of incredible talent, who went on to influence the sound of American rock and roll forever. He was an integral part of this era and remained friends with the other artists from the Asbury Park scene throughout his life. In his early 20s, Bill moved to the state of Maine. Bill loved Maine, and he built a loyal fan base here as he continued his music career. Bill had a long recording career and he released 10 albums under various labels. However, playing live was his greatest passion, and he continued to do this for family, friends, and fans throughout his entire life. In 1987 he won an Emmy for his song, “Somewhere in the Night” a duet he later recorded with Roberta Flack and became the theme song for the soap opera “Guiding Light.” Bill also wrote music for films and television and worked out of his home studio as a producer. He produced the film “The Forgotten Maine,” a documentary about the state he loved, which won him a Cinema in Industry award. His final project, which he never completed, was a documentary about his beloved late father-in-law, country legend Dick Curless. Throughout the last decade, Bill struggled with Lyme disease. This attacked his nervous system and as it progressed, it left him in severe pain. Ultimately, it was this affliction that led to the end of his life. He was predeceased by his mother, Eileen Chinnock. Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Terry; son, William Richard; son, John and his wife, Alissa; mother-in-law, Pauline M. Curless; his father, Wilson; sister, Caroline Payne and her husband, Robert; nephews, Raymond Payne, Alex Payne and wife, Nicole; and nieces, Lauren Payne and Stephanie Curless. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at First Parish Congregational Church, Main Street, Yarmouth. Donations in Bill’s memory may be sent to his eight-year-old son, William’s Educational Fund, care of Bath Savings Institution, 424 U.S. Route 1, Yarmouth, ME 04096. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives, LLC, 25 Tampa St., Lewiston. For those unable to attend, condolences may be expressed at www.funeralalternatives.net
WILLIAM ‘BILL’ CHINNOCK
