Walter S. Wakefield

A direct descendant of Sarah Bush Johnston Lincoln, who was Abraham's stepmother who inspired him to better himself through education and endeavor; and, who outlived Abraham by four years.

Walter was the founder and principal of one of the NH's longest running businesses still operated by its founder: The Antiquarian Bookstore in Portsmouth, since 1973. He handled the placement of many important materials to safe births.

Also, he was the longtime shepherd (26 years) of the popular Portsmouth Retired firefighters' Breakfast, that kept up long time friendships among the many good men.

Also, he was the host of the area's MENSA group for 34 years, as well as for Intertel and I.S.P.E.

He enjoyed his association with Democrats and Progressives, fostering and promoting good and helpful ideas for the betterment of All.

Walter was the son of many teachers. His mother taught for years in an Ohio one-room schoolhouse on his father's large farm, inherited from American Revolution forebears, who received land in lieu of pay. His grandfather, Pliny Johnston, was longtime Supt. of Schools for Cincinnati in the late 1800s, and who authored books on secondary education.

Though Walter was controversial in his professional life, being of an English mind and iconoclastic, he made many solid and long-term relationships, benefiting many. All the while, he saved many worthwhile documents and books from oblivion and helped thousands of people financially.

He loved old cars, as did his father, collecting many of significance, while using them, in part, to preserve important old books until proper placement was found. He especially liked Range Rovers. Such collecting, though neat and orderly, found conflict with local zoning zealots, hastening his demise.

He loved and tendered to his many friends, being there for each other always.

Walter was long pre-deceased by his family. His father, born in 1897 at New Haven, Ohio, died in 1955 at the family farm while working on one of his antique cars. His mother died in 1980. He is survived by only a younger sister of Cincinnati. His dearly missed wife, Sherrie, a career 1st grade teacher in Portsmouth, died in 1988 of a rare cancer at age 46. She is still sorely missed by many. Walter had no children (as far as he could determine).

A Memorial Service has is being planned and scheduled for this spring. Funeral plans are under the direction and care of J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.