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William Ingraham, 80
Well-respected inspector aided in reconstruction of town buildings
William Ray “Bill” Ingraham, 80, died peacefully on April 17 at home, with his beloved partner of 50 years, Raymond Sparks, at his side.
Bill — a critical asset to the town of Provincetown in facilitating the renovation of several of its public buildings — was born on July 15, 1927, to Robert and Freda Ingraham in Woburn where he grew up with his older brother, Robert, who predeceased him. He attended Woburn High School and promptly volunteered to enter the Army where he was assigned to the Army Security Agency from 1945 to 1948, when he was honorably discharged.
Bill’s avocation, woodworking, brought joy to the grateful recipients of his meticulous work. He was known as a creator of beautiful wood products throughout his entire life, having learned his craft as an apprentice with E.G. Barker in Woburn. He was a lifelong member of the Carpenters and Joiners Union.
He worked as a professional firefighter in Boston, retiring in 1975. His respect for and love of the “brotherhood” gave him an enormous amount of pride.
Bill and Ray first came to Provincetown in 1957 and in 1970 they purchased the White Dory Inn, which they ran successfully until 1980. Ray was the “front man” and Bill took care of everything else, except the laundry. During that time they made friendships that have lasted to this day.
With an extensive background of electrical knowledge, Bill volunteered his services to the town in the very early ’70s, and in 1972 he was appointed part-time electrical inspector, a post he held until his retirement in 1996. He was also assistant building inspector from 1975 until 1996. At his retirement party he was presented with a tribute from the U.S. Senate, presented to him by Congressman Gerry Studds.
Very early on, Bill became an important player in the renovation, remodeling and construction of many of Provincetown’s public buildings, including the present police station, which used to be a funeral home.
He was clerk of the works for the fire station on Shank Painter Road, the Provincetown Library, the Grace Gouveia Building and the Cape End Manor. He also was an invaluable part of the team that rebuilt Maushope residence after the fire in 1997.
He ran construction projects at Provincetown Airport, Seaman’s Bank in Truro, and he had his “ups and downs” with the elevator projects at Town Hall, the Community Center and Council on Aging.
He was terribly proud of being an honorary firefighter in Provincetown for many years. He was also a life member of the American Legion Post #0071, VFW Post 3152, and an honorary member of the Provincetown Police Dept.
If he wasn’t busy enough, Bill also sat on many committees and boards including as a corporator of Seamen’s Bank, a Cape End Manor board member and a long-time member of the Board of L.W. Bills Co. in Georgetown. He was also involved in the planning stages of the Provincetown Playhouse.
Bill and Ray traveled often and extensively through out the U.S. and Canada by train and river boat and were welcomed back time and again by the friends they made around the world.
Always ready to give a hand and help a friend, or make a new friend of someone who heard of his legendary skills, Bill could be counted on to fix almost anything. He had a fabulous laugh and wonderful smile and, truly, was loved by everyone who knew him.
He leaves behind Raymond Sparks, his partner of 50 years and spouse since Aug. 3, 2007; his sister-in-law, Lillian Sparks, of Yarmouthport; and his niece and nephew, Janice, of Medford, and Robert, of Montana ,and his beloved “Maxie.”
Bill had a close and extensive circle of friends too numerous to mention, that includes his “adopted” grandsons and their respective wife and partner, who always proudly referred to Bill and Ray as the “GGP,” their gay grandparents.
A service was held Tuesday. If desired, memorial contributions in Bill’s honor may be made to either Supporters of the Provincetown Public Library, P.O. Box 943, Provincetown, MA 02657-0943, the Provincetown Fire Dept., 25 Shank Painter Road, Provincetown, MA 02657 or to Office of Development, Outer Cape Health Services, P.O. Box 1944, North Eastham, MA 02651.
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Kahlil Gibran, 85
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Apr 24th, 2008