SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Walter E. Sylvester Sr., formerly of Hanover, left this life on Jan. 27, at Scottsdale, Ariz.

He was born in South Andover, on May 17, 1918, son of Frances Weeks Downs and Aubrey Otis Sylvester. Walter lived a full and rewarding life, retiring early from Boise Cascade paper mill in Rumford at age 62.

During retirement, he spent his leisure time pursuing his many passions and traveling to visit family throughout New England. He had an amazing knowledge of many things and willingly extended a helping hand whenever needed. A man of many talents from cooking to mechanics, he welcomed new challenges. If something had to be figured out, it was always “take it, Dad” for the answer to the problem or puzzle.

He liked working with wood and made gifts of many of his projects to others, including a lighthouse for his daughter in Arizona. His yard was decorated with colorful birdhouses that reflected his avid love of birds. German shepherds were his favorite dogs and more than one was a faithful companion through the years. Above all, he was a Harley-Davidson motorcycle enthusiast, owning his first one in his early 20s and continuing to ride well into his late 70s, a legacy that his sons continue.

He was a part of so many people’s lives that this one tribute cannot list all of them. His kindhearted, giving nature and his special sense of humor endeared him to each of us who called him father, friend or brother. A part of him will live on in us always and in the generations to come.

He is remembered with love by his first wife of 38 years, Beverly L. Sylvester of Andover; and their children, Frances Ball and husband, Gene, of Circleville, Kan., Walter Sylvester Jr. and wife, Charlene, of Medway, Mass., Ruth Barry and longtime companion, Robert Viens, of Cumberland, R.I., Terry Bouchard and husband, Robert, of Mexico, Barbara Sylvester of Hartford, John Sylvester of Rumford, Mary Thompson and longtime companion, Chuck, of South Thomaston, Robert Sylvester and wife, Sharon, of Woonsocket, R.I., Margy Squires and husband, David, of Fountain Hills, Ariz., Michael Sylvester of Uxbridge, Mass., Beatrice DiSpirito of Woonsocket, R.I. and David Philbrick and wife, Judy, of Lewiston; his second wife of 26 years, Myrtie Jane, preceded him to their next lives in glory on Sept. 25, 2005; he is remembered with love by his stepchildren, John Harding and wife, Margaret, of White Plains, Md., Beverly Corriveau and husband, Ferdinand, of Gilead, William Robinson and wife, Yvonne, of Albany Township, Thomas Robinson and wife, Susan, Judy Tyler and husband, Clayton, of Tilton, N.H. and Peter Robinson and companion, Wendy, of Harrison; one stepson, Larry Robinson, left this life earlier. Walter also will be remembered with affection and missed by his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lovingly called him “Bampa” and “Great-Grampa Walt”; two sisters, Anna Hafer of Montandon, Pa. and Jeannette Knight of Waterford; and many others who are cherished friends, with a lifetime of fond memories.

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