Walter “Bampa” Neal House

RANGELEY – Walter “Bampa” Neal House, 88, of Rangeley, died Thursday evening, July 24, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born Oct. 22, 1936, in Middletown, Conn., a son of Neal Edward and Julia Constance House, and received his education in local schools, graduating from Vinal Tech.

On Dec. 22, 1956, he married Shirley Mae Kilpatrick, and they lived in Connecticut for a time while Walter worked for his father. Realizing that they wanted to do something different, they moved to Rangeley where Walter had the “Icehouse” business for a time before working as a machinist at Forster Manufacturing in Wilton until he retired to Walt’s Machine Shop in Oquossoc, where his son gave him jobs to do to keep him busy and fresh. He enjoyed motorcycling and snowmobiling in his younger years, and especially loved fishing and hunting, having participated in several Moose hunts over the years with his family.

He is survived by his sons, Michael and Russell and his wife, Johanne; grandsons, Victor, Vincent, and Charles; three great grandchildren; four sisters, Nancy, Janice, Susan, and Rita. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley, Sept. 18, 2022.

Public memorial services will be held Saturday, August 9 at 11 a.m. from the Church of the Good Shepherd, 2614 Main Street, Rangeley followed by interment at Evergreen Cemetery. Following interment, the family will receive relatives and friends for light refreshments in the Church Undercroft.

Memories and hunting and fishing photos may be shared in his Book of Memories at http://www.wilesrc.com. Wiles Remembrance Center of Farmington is honored to be caring for cremation and memorial services.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Walter’s memory be considered to:

Rangeley Guides’ and Sportsmen’s Association

Youth Activities Fund

PO Box 244

Rangeley, ME 04970