WATERFORD – Walter A. Van Dehey, 91, of Waterford, passed away Thursday afternoon at the Bridgton Hospital. He was born on Aug. 7, 1927, in San Francisco, Calif., son of Walter and Ella (Hill) Van Dehey.

After graduating from Lowell High School in San Francisco, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II.  Upon discharge he went to college and graduated with an AB in police science. He then joined the San Francisco Police Department from which he retired as a lieutenant after 30 years of service. He also served over 20 years in The Air Force Reserves and retired as a lieutenant colonel.

In 1966, he married Susan Weist and they had 51 years of happy marriage, travelling to many foreign countries as well as all 48 contiguous states of the U.S. Walt enjoyed carpentry work. He and Sue built their own home in California and later in Maine he helped a friend remodel houses, helped repair and repaint the interior walls of the church, and built bookcases matching the originals for the library. He served time as vice president of the Wilkins House and was “pots and pans scrubber” at the summer breakfasts. He enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as being an outstanding pistol shot, a master marksman holding several championships. He was a Mason in Crocker Lodge, California, for 62 years and was active in the Mt. Tirem Lodge, Maine, from 1996 on, during which time he promoted the year-end school awards.  He loved football, being an ever-loyal San Francisco 49ers fan from the team’s very beginning. And, through the years he had a special place in his heart for all his pet cats and dogs.

His wishes were to have no public memorial service but, instead, to just be remembered kindly in thought and prayers.

Arrangements are in the care of the Chandler Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 8 Elm St., Bridgton. Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with Sue and their friends at www.chandlerfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Mt. Tirem Masonic

Lodge #132

P.O. Box 6

Waterford, ME 04088

or, The Rusty Fund

c/o Bridgton Veterinary Hospital

213 Harrison Road

Bridgton, Maine 04009

or any other fund

of your choice

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