Martin E. Wirtanen
Martin E. Wirtanen
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Martin Wirtanen Obituary
Born in West Barnstable in 1920, he was the son of Martin and Jennie (Kantola) Wirtanen. He attended school in West Barnstable and graduated from Barnstable High School and the Massachusetts Nautical School (now Mass. Maritime Academy) in 1940.
As a naval reserve officer, he served briefly in the Merchant Marine Fleet before being called to serve in the Navy, where he eventually obtained the rank of lieutenant commander. Serving on the USS Barnett, USS Montrose, and USS Pott, transporting troops, Marines, and survivors from many locations, he was involved in most of the major naval invasions during the war, including Guadalcanal, North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, D-Day, and Okinawa.
After his discharge from the Navy in 1946, he returned home where he worked for General Electric and Cambridge Electric. He then served as the chief engineer at Otis Air Force Base, where he retired after 22 years.
Active in research, he was a member of the Barnstable Historic Society and Finnish-American Society. He was a member of Hyannis Yacht Club, where he raced his Cape Cod Knockabout "Mark-Us," winning many trophies, including the Commodores Cup for best overall record.
During his retirement, he spent years researching and cataloging all the homes, barns, and historic sites in the village of West Barnstable, which are recorded on files at the Whelden Memorial Library. He was also well known for growing a variety of pumpkins in his large garden behind his well-preserved historic barn and home on Route 6A.
Survivors include his wife, Helen (Schooley); son, Mark of West Barnstable; sister, Jeannette Anderson of Billings, Mont.; granddaughter, Lillie; grandson, Phoenix; and one niece, four nephews, and many cousins.
A graveside service will be held in Crocker Park Cemetery, Church Street, West Barnstable on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m.
Memorials in his name may be made to Barnstable Land Trust, Land Acquisition Fund, 407 Main St., Hyannis, MA 02601.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dee & Craig Ustas
December 10, 2007
Dear Helen and Mark
Word has reached us today about Martin's passing. Words can not express our sadness. Martin was a special man and will be remembered by all who knew him. As our thoughts pass thru our heads at this time, HYC comes up with all the good times racing and socializing. I know some of Craig's best times were on the boat with Martin, he always thought of him with fond memories, and sadly that is all we have left. May you comfort each other knowing what an impact he had on everyone he knew. Also as I read in another message, the pumpkins, he had the best and was always proud of them.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely Dee & Craig
Andrew Efstathiou
December 9, 2007
I am so sorry to find out that Martin passed away. He was a wonderful man and I enjoyed sailing with him for many years. I will truly miss him. My condolences to the family, especially Helen and Mark.
Sincerely,
Andy Efstathiou
Marilyn Fifield
December 8, 2007
Fellow Historical Commissioner Martin's extensive research on historic properties throughout the town is an impressive tribute to his skill, perseverance and dedication that will continue to be valued by all who appreciate our historic architectural heritage. Martin also deserves credit for noting the significance of the 1750 Isaac Crocker farm in Marstons Mills that is now on the Preservation Mass. Endangered List.
Andy & Elaine Efstathiou
December 7, 2007
Helen and Mark
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have many fond memories with you and Martin. May he rest with the angels.
Andy and Elaine Efstathiou
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Cyndi (McNaughton) Rausch
December 7, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
Cyndi (McNaughton) Rausch
December 7, 2007
Dear Helen & Mark,
We were all sorry to hear of Martin's passing.We all have our special memories:the "pumpkin patch"(which Allison & I visited and later our sons). Dad & Uncle Bobby racing with or against Martin.
And all the other HYC memories of Martin.
Please know that all of us are remembering you both in our thoughts and prayers @ this time of sadness.
Alan & Ann McNaughton,Bob McGarry,
Allison McNaughton,&
Cyndi (McNaughton) Rausch
Michael&Marilyn Field
December 7, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Patricia Anderson
December 7, 2007
West Barnstable and the Town's Historic Preservation Community have lost an icon. Martin's historic research is but one legacy he leaves to those who follow and seek to preserve and protect our town's vast cultural and historic heritage.
Keran Lockhart
December 7, 2007
Helen, Mark
I am sorry for typing the wrong name in the guest book.
Chuck, Keran Lockhart
December 7, 2007
Helen,Scott,
Our thoughts and prays are with you and your family.
Chuck Keran Lockhart
ann marie norman
December 7, 2007
Helen & Mark, So sorry to read of the passing of martin. Lots of good memories at the HYC.He will be missed. Love to all Ann Marie
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