AUGUSTA — Fred C. Whittier Jr., 93, a resident of Farmington, passed away June 26, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta.
Fred was born Feb. 10, 1924, the son of Fred C. Whittier Sr. and Gladys Rackliff. He grew up in Farmington and attended Farmington schools. After school, he relocated to South Portland, working in the shipyards helping to build the Liberty Ships used to transport supplies and troops to Europe during World War II. From there, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served under Gen. George Patton in the M7 Tank Division, seeing action on D-Day. Fred shared many stories of his time in Bamberg, Germany, France, and Czechoslovakia, even speaking some German to the surprise of his daughters.
After his service, he met and married Cora Hinckley and raised three daughters. He worked as a master carpenter and foreman for K&H Foster in Wilton for many years before retiring to build his own home in New Vineyard. After its completion, he returned to work as a self-employed carpenter, doing jobs for many customers in the Farmington area.
Fred enjoyed many activities with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He could always be found enjoying the outdoors, skiing, horseback riding, hiking, swimming and camping, just to name a few.
He is survived by his three daughters, Alicia Dumas and her husband, Philip, of Saco, Sharon Whittier of Farmington, and Firle Whittier of Hallowell; his five wonderful grandchildren, Marcy, Jennifer, Renee, Becky and Amy; eight great-grandchildren; and one brother, Paul Whittier and his wife, Betty, of Mt. Vernon. Fred was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Cora Whittier; two sisters, Ida Judkins and Maxine Watson; and his brother, Stanley Whittier.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta and to Hospice for the wonderful care they gave him. They also would like to thank Pinewood Terrace in Farmington for the care given to him while a resident there.
Condolences may be sent for the family at www.adamsmcfarlane.com.
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