1934 – 2015

PORTLAND — Willis E. Redmond, 81, formerly of North Yarmouth, passed away after a brief illness at Maine Medical Center on Friday, May 15.

He was born in Monmouth on Jan. 30, 1934, the son of Edna (Alexander) and Ralph C. Redmond.

Willis graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford. He was also a graduate of Gorham State Teachers College. He served in the U.S. Army and was a Korean War Veteran. Willis taught Industrial Arts in the Portland Public Schools for many years.

On June 8, 1957, Willis married Janet Hanscom. They raised three wonderful daughters and enjoyed 54 years of marriage. They fulfilled their dream of traveling cross-country multiple times together.

He was the embodiment of a frugal Mainer. He is one of the last of a generation of Maine natives who didn’t waste a thing and reused everything he could. He enjoyed gardening/farming, woodworking and was an avid fisherman. He liked collecting antiques, especially bottles and was an accomplished carpenter. His family and friends knew him to be a practical joker with a good sense of humor. Willis ran a personal, mobile sawmill and built their home in North Yarmouth in 1987. He also built his own lobster boat. As an adult he attended and was baptized at First Parish Congregational Church in Yarmouth. He was a former member of the Lions Club, AMVETS and Royal River Snowmobile Club.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathryn (Vincent) Scalesse of Longview, Wash., Carolyn Redmond of Jacksonville, Fla., and Sharon (Matthew) Grover of North Yarmouth. Also surviving are grandchildren, Sarah Scalesse, Adam Scalesse, Zachary Grover and Alexander Grover; as well as a great-grandchild, Brayden Spencer; nephews, Robin, Kim and Eric; and a special friend, Irene “Bunny” Harrington.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Ralph and Charles; and his wife, Janet in 2011.

To view a video collage of Willis’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family, please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com.