Walter Van Dehey

WATERFORD — Walter A. Van Dehey, 91, of Waterford, passed away Thursday afternoon at the Bridgton Hospital.

He was born on Aug. 7, 1927, in San Francisco, Calif., son of Walter and Ella (Hill) Van Dehey.

After graduating from Lowell High School in San Francisco, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Upon discharge, he went to college and graduated with an BA in police science. He then joined the San Francisco Police Department, which he retired as a lieutenant after 30 years of service. He also served over 20 years in the Air Force Reserves and retired as a lieutenant colonel.

In 1966, he married Susan Weist and they had 51 years of happy marriage, travelling to many foreign countries, as well as 48 contiguous states of the United States. Walt enjoyed carpentry work. He and Sue built their own home in California and later in Maine, he helped a friend remodel houses, helped repair and repaint the interior walls of the church, and built bookcases matching the originals for the library.

He served time as vice president of the Wilkins House and was “pots and pans scrubber” at the summer breakfasts. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as being an outstanding pistol shot, a master marksman holding several championships. He was a Mason in Crocker Lodge (Calif.) for 62 years and was active in the Mt. Tir’em Lodge from 1996 on, during which time he promoted the year-end school awards. He loved football, being an ever-loyal San Francisco 49er fan from the team’s very beginning. Through the years, he had a special place in his heart for all his pet cats and dogs.

His wishes were to have no public memorial service but, instead, to just be remembered kindly in thought and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Tir’em Masonic Lodge #132, P.O. Box 6, Waterford, ME 04088, or The Rusty Fund, c/o Bridgton Veterinary Hospital, 213 Harrison Road, Bridgton, Maine 04009, or any other fund of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of the Chandler Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton. Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with Sue and their friends at www.chandlerfunerals.com