Obituary of Walter L. Legendre

RICHMOND -- Walter L. Legendre, died March 12, 2012, at Togus VA Hospital. Walter was born at home in Bowdoin on Oct. 22, 1931, to Joseph and Blanche (Mitchell) Legendre. Walt joined the Navy in 1950 and spent time in Greenland as a cook and a baker in the Navy. Walt was a volunteer for many years at VA Maine Healthcare Systems Togus through the Chaplains Department and for the American Legion. Walt was very involved in Boy Scouts of America as Scout master as well as on the state level. Walt was co-chairman of the Richmond Days Committee with his wife, Lois, for 10 years. Walt and Lois ran a food bank from their small gift shop for 10 years with foods provided by various food banks and small businesses. Walt drove the Chop Point Christian School bus/van for several years for the school. Walt's handiwork with wood crafting and Lois's skills as a painter was the feature story in the December 1999 issue of Country Woman magazine. Walt served as a constable for the town of Richmond as well as a selectman. Walt was very active in American Legion Post 132 of Richmond, as well as Post 181 of Litchfield. Walt worked for the Litchfield Farmer's Club as an assistant superintendent in the Exhibition Hall at Litchfield Fair for 15 years. Walt enjoyed country and western music, camping, fishing and road trips to see the country. Walt maintained a wonderful sense of humor and was filled with love and joy throughout his life. He is predeceased by his sons, Walter Jr., of Hawthorne, Nev., and Dale Legendre (Liu) of Houston, Texas; brother Richard "Frenchy" Legendre of East St. Louis, Ill.; and brother Herbert Higgins of Thorndike. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lois, of Richmond; sons Harry Legendre and his wife, Linda, of Antioch, Calif., Aaron Legendre and his wife, Judi, of East Machias, and Corwin Legendre of Richmond; and daughter Alexis Legendre of New Hampshire; brother Russell Higgins and his wife, Pat, of Durham; and sister Dorcas Fitts of Yarmouth. Walt leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Crossroads Community Baptist Church, c/o Dave Pouchot, 2266 Belfast Road, Lincolnville, ME 04849. Arrangements are under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast. Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting online at www.directcremationofmaine.com.