FALMOUTH — Walter E. Waitkun, 85, died July 30 at his home.
On Jan. 9, 1924, he was born in Providence, R.I., son of John and Mary (Korkuc) Waitkun.
While growing up in Providence, he attended local schools, graduating from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1942. He later attended Dean Junior College and the University of Rhode Island on the G.I. Bill, graduating from URI in 1950.
During World War II, he served in the South Pacific with the U.S. Marine Corps and participated in the battle of Iwo Jima. He was highly decorated, receiving the Flying Cross and Purple Heart.
After raising his family in Scituate, R.I., he lived in West Palm Beach, Fla., and spent summers in East Greenwich, R.I.
He worked for The Amica Insurance Company for 34 years, retiring in 1986.
An avid golfer, he played most days and was able to boast three holes-in-one during his lifetime. His interests included many outdoor activities, such as hiking and mountain climbing. He served on the National Ski Patrol in Rhode Island and New Hampshire, and enjoyed taking his children on annual hikes up Mt. Washington for many years.
A loving father and friend, he is survived by his five children, Peter Waitkun and his wife Jennifer of Portland, Gail Waitkun DeRice and her husband Dr. Robert DeRice of Falmouth, Lisa Lehman and her husband Edward of Gray, Beth Glidden and her husband Steve of Cranston, R.I., Christopher Waitkun and his wife Martha of East Greenwich, R.I.; 12 grandchildren; his longtime companion Barbara Pendell Smith of Warwick, R.I.; and her children, William Smith and his wife Beverly of East Greenwich, R.I., Nancy Healy and her husband Jonathan, and Sandra Smith, all of Warwick, R.I.; and many close, lifelong friends who will affectionately keep his memory alive.
The family will hold a private service on Casco Bay. Friends are invited to join the family at a reception and celebration of his life on Saturday, Aug. 8. Please contact Jones, Rich & Hutchins for information.
Memorial contributions can be made to The First Tee of Maine, P.O. Box 882, Saco, ME 04072.
A kind and loving man, his happiness came from helping his friends and family.
Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.mem.com
Arrangements are by Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland.
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