Maine Cabin Masters has built its following on warmth as much as woodworking, and that warmth is exactly why three real losses have hit its fans so hard over the years. Here’s who the show has actually lost, and what happened.
“Wild Bill” Davenport
William “Wild Bill” Davenport, sometimes also called “Duffy,” was born July 6, 1949, in Whitefield, Maine, and served in the U.S.
Navy as a young man before building a life around the outdoors and hands-on carpentry.
He joined the Maine Cabin Masters crew almost by accident in 2015, appearing with the team during the filming of the show’s pilot episode up in the Allagash region, and quickly became a beloved fixture, both for his skilled carpentry and his larger-than-life personality.
Davenport died on April 5, 2023, at his home in Chelsea, Maine, at age 73. His memorial gathering was held that May at The Woodshed in Manchester, Maine, and the show later paid tribute to him with a dedicated episode in Season 9, one of the moments fans still point to when explaining why this show hits harder than a typical renovation series.
Fans in the show’s online community have specifically praised how close he remained with Ashley Morrill and Ryan Eldridge in his final years, even as some of his own biological family stayed distant.
Tim Reeves
Tim Reeves, known to fans by his online handle @DeerFarm, was part of the “From the Woodshed” podcast family, the weekly show hosted by Chase Morrill and Ryan Eldridge.
Reeves battled a life-threatening illness for some time before his death, but kept logging on to the podcast nearly every week regardless, chatting with the hosts and other listeners even as his health declined.
He passed away in August 2021, and the show’s official Facebook page announced his death on August 30 of that year. “Behind the scenes, we stayed in close contact with Tim via phone calls and many email exchanges,” the team wrote at the time. “He shared with us his love of Maine, his hunting cabin, and most importantly, his family.”
Reeves was survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Gus the Dog
Gus, affectionately known as “Gussy,” was Ashley Morrill’s dog and a genuine fan favorite in his own right, known for his devotion to Ashley and his constant presence at her side.
He loved daily walks through the woods, swimming in any body of water he could find, and playing with other dogs on set.
Gus died peacefully at home on July 10, 2024, surrounded by his family. The show’s team shared the news with fans directly, and the outpouring of messages made clear just how much Gus had become part of the extended Maine Cabin Masters family over the years.
Maine Cabin Masters Deaths, Frequently Asked Questions
Has anyone from the main Maine Cabin Masters cast died?
No. Chase Morrill, Ashley Morrill, Ryan Eldridge, Matt “Dixie” Dix, and Jared “Jedi” Baker are all alive and active on the show. The show has lost two extended crew members, “Wild Bill” Davenport and Tim Reeves, plus Ashley’s dog Gus.
How did Wild Bill Davenport die?
He died on April 5, 2023, at his home in Chelsea, Maine, at age 73. A specific cause was not publicly disclosed.
Who was Tim Reeves on Maine Cabin Masters?
He was a regular participant in the show’s From the Woodshed podcast, known by the online handle @DeerFarm. He died in August 2021 after a long illness.
What happened to Gus the dog on Maine Cabin Masters?
Gus, Ashley Morrill’s dog and a recurring presence on the show, died peacefully at home on July 10, 2024, surrounded by family.
