PORTLAND - Walter F. Heathcote III, “Wally,” 53, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 4th, 2023. He was born in Milford, Connecticut to the late Walter Heathcote Jr. and Helen Renshaw (Armstrong). The family moved to Machias, Maine when Wally was young and later to southern Maine. Wally followed in his father’s footsteps, working as an auto mechanic and like his father, seldom spent money on his own vehicles. He was proud to drive beaters held together with duct tape and strategically placed zip ties. Wally always had a project going and felt that the dining room table was the perfect place to rebuild transmissions.
Wally’s outgoing personality made him a friend to many. As the life of the party, his sense of humor, infectious laugh, and storytelling would always lighten the mood. Each story we heard made it harder to differentiate the facts from the fiction, and every version was more fantastic than the last. But we didn’t care. Wally knew how to tell a story! Beloved by all and willing to make sacrifices for everyone, there was never a dull moment when he was near. We treasured the advice he would give us, no matter how much we didn’t like what he had to say.
In addition to his mother, Wally will be sadly missed by his children, Jessica Moore of Machias, Walter Heathcote IV of Georgia, Christopher Heathcote and partner Tammy of Sanford, Amanda Heathcote and partner Tony of Somersworth NH, Jarid Lemieux of Sanford; grandsons Hunter, Logan, and Anthony (who he adopted as his son); siblings Sherri Evans of Buxton, Cliff Heathcote and wife Penny of Shapleigh, Milton Heathcote and partner Jen of Limerick, Tonya Heathcote and partner Steve of Buxton, Christina Fredette and husband Christian of Buxton; his partner Amanda Reid of Portland, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was greatly anticipating the arrival of his first granddaughter, Guinevere. In addition to his father, he is predeceased by his stepfather, Gary Renshaw, and a grandson, Walter Heathcote V.
Wally had many great qualities and we will always hold fond memories of him. To honor Wally’s life we would like to ask that donations be made to Milestones Recovery in Portland, Maine. Wally was very familiar with the toll that depression and displacement due to injury can cause on someone and believed there was always a way to do better. You never know when someone close might be struggling with depression or addiction. So give a hug to those around you and have that tough conversation. Because like it or not it’s what Wally would do.
Contributions to this cause may be made to: https://milestone-recovery.org/donate
Rest in peace: “Wally Wallbanger” ….. If you know, you know!
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com