William Bradford Bayard, loving husband, father

William Bradford Bayard, of Milton, passed away Friday, Jan. 14, 2022, after a brief illness.

Bill was born in Wilmington, in 1955 to the late Jane Hildreth Bayard and Alexis I. DuPont Bayard. He attended Tower Hill School, A.I. DuPont High School, and West Liberty University and was most currently employed by the Maritime Exchange in Lewes, monitoring shipping on the Delaware Bay.

Bill was a merchant marine, a boat captain, an avid duck hunter and fisherman, and a dedicated wildlife conservationist. Always ready to lend a helping hand, Bill will be remembered for his wildly entertaining stories, quick wit, great sense of humor, and fantastic mustache. 

Bill’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife, Donna; and daughters, Elizabeth of Boston and Katherine of New York City, whose fondest memories are watching old movies or sitting on their back porch watching thunderstorms pass by with him. He will always be remembered with love and warmth. 

Bill is survived by brothers, Richard H. Bayard and John H. Bayard, and their families; sister, Jane Curley and family; and the families of his deceased brothers, Eugene Bayard and Alexis Bayard. 

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Ducks Unlimited, ducks.org.

To offer condolences, visit dohertyfh.com.