NORTH WATERBORO - Wilfred “Will” Martin Jr., age 66, passed away on Thursday November 5, 2026, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House after a brief but courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
Will was born in Portland, Maine on December 29, 1959, and was the pride and joy to his mother, Sandra (Axelson) Farwell. Will’s two sisters can attest that he was “the favorite”. Will graduated from Sacopee Valley High School in 1978 where he was active in the hiking clubs well as various other clubs and sports. He often spoke of a trip with the “Die Hard Hikers” to Grand Teton National Park and of participating in a rescue on Mt. Washington.
After high school Will joined the Army, serving from 1978-1982. Will was proud of his work for the CIA as a Signal Intelligence Analyst and even helped break a code during the Cold War. Will also received the Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Expert Badge Rifle M16, and Expert Badge Hand Grenade.
After the Army, Will worked in the carpentry and mill working business, eventually becoming self-employed as a Finish Carpenter. Will took great pride in his work and it showed. HIs work ethic was relentless. In 1995, Will earned his black belt in taekwondo from his good friend Master Richard Smith, Jr.
In 1998, Will met Brenda Goodwin at the local hangout spot, Fi-Wood Restaurant in Sanford, Maine and they would remain together until his passing. They were engaged in 2003 and welcomed a son, Dylan James Martin in 2005. Will had many, many great qualities, but his greatest quality was that of being an amazing father. He was especially proud of Dylan earning his 1st and 2nd degree black belt from Master Richard Smith Jr. and attending college at the University of New England.
Will will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his Harley Davidson and most importantly, his love and dedication to his family. After Brenda’s father Jim passed in 2018, Will stepped in to be sure that Jim’s wife (and Brenda’s mom) Helen, was cared for, taking care of their property and anything else that was needed.
Will is predeceased by his parents, Sandra (Axelson) Farwell and step-father Neal Farwell. He is survived by his partner, Brenda Goodwin and their son, Dylan Martin of North Waterboro, his sister Wenda Smith of Limerick, his sister Candy Laws and her husband Phil of Illinois, as well as his nephew James Thibodeault and his wife Theresa of New Mexico and his niece Samantha Smith, her husband Brad and their son, Cole of New Mexico.
Will is survived by cousins: Richard Dyer and his wife Juli of Standish, Deborah Dyer of Standish, Brenda Nealey of Gorham, Lori Dyer of Gorham, April Wright and her husband Jeff of Windham, Gary Liberty, his wife Linda and their daughter Tracy of Cornish and predeceased by cousin Faye Dyer of Springvale.
Visitation will be held on Saturday November 14th from 11 AM-12 noon, followed by a memorial service at 12noon at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St, Cornish. Online messages of condolences can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2100&mfc_pref=T&2100.donation=form1
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