Walter S. MacPhail, 98, of Dartmouth died May 26, 2005 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness.
He was the widower of Elizabeth H. MacPhail, to whom he was married for 67 years, and the son of the late Walter S. and Irene (Waite) MacPhail. He was the father of the late Richard A. MacPhail and brother of the late John D. MacPhail.
Mr. MacPhail was born in New Bedford and was educated in New Bedford schools. He graduated from the New Bedford Textile School after attending evening classes and received an Honorary Degree as Master of Science from the New Bedford Institute of Textiles and Technology, which was an outgrowth of the Textile School and a forerunner of the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth.
He spent his entire business life in the Textile industry and was the Vice President and General Manager of Wamsutta Mills in New Bedford at the time that company was moved to the South. Mr. MacPhail then transferred to New York City and was employed by M. Lowenstein and Sons as Vice President in charge of Sales of its Wamustta/Pacific Industrial Fabrics Division until his retirement. He had moved his home to Rye, New York, but returned to this area and lived in Dartmouth at the time of his death.
While in New Bedford, Mr. MacPhail was very involved in community matters. He had served on the Boards of several local organizations such as the YMCA, Junior Achievement, and the North End Guild. He headed the Annual Fund Drive of the Community Chest, which later developed into the United Fund, and then served as President of the local Community Chest.
Mr. MacPhail was a past member of the New Bedford Airport Commission and served as Chairman of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. He was a past President of the New Bedford Rotary Club.
He enjoyed golf as a long time member of the Country Club of New Bedford, and he was a past member of the Wamsutta Club.
Survivors include a niece and several nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Tuesday, May 31st at 11 AM. Visitation Tuesday morning prior to the service from 10-11AM.
Interment Oak Grove Cemetery.