Burton W. Gay

SIDNEY -- Burton W. Gay, age 88, of the Pond Road, formerly of Gaywalk Street and Buena Vista Drive in Augusta, died April 9, 2011, surrounded by his family at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Augusta, after a brief illness. He was born in Readfield on Dec. 16, 1922, the son of Harry Gay and Lila (Bourne) Gay.

Mr. Gay worked in local homes and farms for room and board so that he could attend Monmouth Academy where he graduated.

He served honorably in the Army during World War II.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a Greyhound bus driver for 38 years. He was awarded many certificates and awards for his outstanding ability to drive millions of miles without a single accident. His knowledge and experience of maneuvering a large bus through the congested streets of New York City would have bewildered many. He spent many days away from home, and in large cities, he had been known to "fight off a few muggers." His profession allowed for his family to accompany him on many trips throughout the United States and Canada, including memorable trips to Niagara Falls and the World's Fair in Montreal. His working trips with his family in tow always included a personalized tour guide as his knowledge of these cities was greater than that of most locals.

Burt was always building something, and helped everyone in the family to build their homes. His hands built many homes and other lodgings, from birdhouses to the beautiful home where he and his wife, Freida, raised their family. He was a collector of friends, as he made no enemies, and his ability to never get mad and always stay calm is why "everyone loves Burt," and "he was my favorite uncle" and "your parents are two of my favorite people." His devotion to his family, whom he cherished, will be appreciated and felt forever.

Mr. Gay was a member of the Lafayette Masonic Lodge 48 A.F. & A.M. of Readfield, and the American Association of Retired Persons.

Burt and Freida built camps in Winthrop and Lexington. There are many fond memories of parties and gatherings of family and friends at these camps. He often delighted in seeing unsuspecting guests try to keep afloat little boats he built, not knowing they weren't intended to stay above water. He also built larger boats that did stay afloat. He had a boat building business in the basement of his house on Bangor Street, and he had business cards that read "Burt Bilt Boats." His camp in Lexington was also known as the "Greyhound Camp," where several drivers gathered for hunting seasons and the escapades that always seem to follow Burt. These gatherings with his many friends and family were filled with practical jokes. Nobody appreciated a good practical joke more than Burt, especially when it was on him. When Burt was around, there was never a shortage of laughter. These camps with his many friends and family supplied him with the laughter that he loved. Burt was an avid outdoorsman, who loved hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and camping. He was predeceased by several big bucks, and one doe that he accidentally hit with his car. He spent a lot of time enjoying these hobbies with family and friends.

For many years he was a devoted caretaker of his wife, Freida L. (Walker) Gay, who died of Alzheimer's on Oct. 9, 1995. He was also predeceased by his parents; and four brothers, Parkman, Carlton, Robert and Louis Gay.

Surviving are three daughters: Jean E. Kunitz of Portland, Debra A. Ainslie and her husband, Jay, of Sidney and Elizabeth Caron and her husband, Donald, of Sidney; two sisters: Carolyn Dalling and her husband, Frank, of Augusta and Attalie Boynton of Readfield; eight grandchildren: Chad and Kohler Caron of Sidney, Bruce and Shawn Figoli of Augusta, Lola Vallee of Augusta, Amy Levasseur of Sidney, Aaron Hussey of Augusta and Sarah Chowgule of Savannah, Ga.; one Fresh Air Fund granddaughter, Roslyn Robinson, from Bronx, N.Y.; and an "extra granddaughter," Christine Dunn of Winthrop; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In Burt's later years, he enjoyed a special relationship with Ruth Gaghan, who was a great companion and friend to him. Thank you, Ruth. We would like to give special thanks to Cecile Studley and Phil Arroyo who were helpful in making sure that Burt woke up to a ray of sunshine, and helping to allow him keep his independence, and to a special friend, Don Bean, for always being there.

Friends may visit from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, where a celebration of Mr. Gay's life will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 20. Burial with committal prayers and military honors will follow at noon at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Civic Center Drive, Augusta.

Condolences may be expressed at www.plummerfh.com.