Walter Warren Beesley

WESTBROOK -- Walter Warren Beesley passed away suddenly on Jan. 26, 2010.

Walter was a man who was devoted to his family and community, and his life was reflection of this.

Walter was born on Sept. 4, 1933, to Walter and Annie (Petersen) Beesley.

He married his sweetheart, Barabara Philbrook, on Sept. 17, 1954. Together, they began their life on Cottage Place in Westbrook, which they have called home for more than 50 years.

During that time, they raised a family and Walter served his community in numerous ways. He volunteered for several years with the Jaycees and was awarded a JCI Senatorship. He spent 40 years working with Pack 84 Cub Scouts. Walter also spent 20 years serving on the Westbrook Planning Board.

Other volunteer activities included the soap box derby, a trustee at Westbook Warren Church and an active member on various committees. Walter's devotion to his community was widespread and touched many.

Walter was a family man who instilled in all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren the importance of working together and celebrating together as a family. Fond memories include projects completed together as a family. From digging out a hole for the family pool, working on the antique cars and helping each other with housing projects, Walter taught his family the value of hard work and a strong family. While Walter believed in hard work, he also enjoyed family celebrations.

Two favorite times included the family Christmas celebration, where Walter enjoyed cracking family members up with huge boxes wrapped in loads of tape, or his philosophy of buying grandchildren the largest, noisiest toys available. Walter also enjoyed his time at Forest Glen in North Conway, N.H. One week was always spent alone with Barbara, and the second week spent with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You could find Walter sitting on the deck with a book in hand and a ready ear to listen to whichever family member came walking by. He loved the fact that the family had grown so large in number, that we almost took over the inn.

Walter was predeceased by his parents; and his granddaughter, Candace Beesley Jameson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his son and daughter-in law, Walter Helen Beesley, of Winthrop; daughter Cassandra Beesley, of Westbrook; son and daughter-in-law Kenneth and Sue Beesley, of Scarborough, and son Roger Beesley, of Westbrook; grandchildren Rebecca and Richard Henry, Melissa and Matthew Konieczka Walter and Jessica Beesley, Thomas Beesley, Steven Francouer, Stephanie and John Hamel, Danielle Beesley, Samantha and John Pepper, of Portland, Roger Taylor Beesley and Michael Donatelli; great-grandchildren Ricky and Caitlyn Henry, Ivy Walker, Annie and Ryan Konieczka, Aaron Hamel, Caiden Francoeur, and LeeRoy and Toby Pepper.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Westbrook Warren Congregational Church. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Westbrook.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do something special with a loved one or friend and savor every moment of your time together.

Arrangements are in the care of Blais & Hay Funeral Home, 35 Church St., Westbrook.