William G. Mills (1986–2023)

To the Bowdoin community,

We have just learned the very sad news that Will Mills, the eldest son of Barry and Karen Mills, died today at the age of thirty-seven due to complications from brain surgery that was performed more than a decade ago.

Born on April 25, 1986, Will attended Trinity School in New York City, moved to Brunswick with his family when Barry became Bowdoin’s fourteenth president, and graduated from Brunswick High School in 2004. He returned to New York that fall to study at Columbia University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in history in 2008.

In addition to Barry and Karen, Will is survived by his younger brothers, Henry and George Mills. The Mills family is planning a private funeral and will not be holding a memorial service. A full obituary will appear in the coming days in the Times Record. Those wishing to reach out to Barry and Karen may write to them at their Boston home: 175 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114.

This is the end of a very long and courageous battle for Will and a deeply difficult and sad time for the Mills family. Please take a moment today to reflect on Will’s life, the unwavering care and devotion of his parents, and all that this tells us about the enduring bonds of family.

Sincerely,

Safa