1945 – 2015

PORTLAND — Walter Ernest Davenport, a man of impeccable style and audacious wit, passed away at his home in Portland on Jan. 8. He was 69 years old.

Walter was born in Rumford on Nov. 25, 1945, the son of Virgil and Barbara Morse Davenport. He spent his early childhood in Oquossoc at his parent’s hunting and fishing camp, Bemis, on the shores of Mooselookmeguntic Lake.

After moving with his family to Connecticut, he graduated from Joel Barlow High School in Redding. Walter also attended Fryeburg Academy and graduated from Center College in Louisville, Ky. He attended University of Louisville Law School until he was drafted. During the Vietnam War, he served as an officer in the Air Force. He was a second lieutenant.

Walter returned to Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Rangeley after his discharge, was a founding member of the Wounded Galaxy and a local businessman. He continued to come home to the region throughout his life to enjoy many happy hours out on the water or around a campfire with family and friends. He found great peace at the lake, in the mountains and treasured his memories of his childhood and family and friends.

Walter loved the arts, especially theater, and was very proud of his accomplishments in productions in both New York and Key West, Fla. He lived in Key West for many years and is remembered there for his contributions to organizing the annual Fantasy Fest and his tenure as manager of the famous Pink Taxis.

In Portland, Walter was the proprietor of Elite Taxi in partnership with his sister, Linda McCarroll.

Walter is survived by his sister, Susan Koob and her husband, Larry, of Oquossoc; his sister, Linda McCarroll of Portland; his brother, Jim Davenport Sr. and his wife, Christine, of New Milford, Conn.; and their families.