LIMERICK- Victor Wakefield, of Limerick, died peacefully at home on December 17, at the age of 98. Victor was born in 1926 in Sussex, England. He served in the British Army during WWII with tours of duty in India and Kenya. After his honorable discharge, he completed his Economics degree at the University of London. His first employment was the Russian Wood Agency (a Soviet-British timber import company) before joining IBM United Kingdom where he met his wife, Celia. The opportunity for an assignment in the USA offered Victor a rear opportunity, and in 1967 he moved to New York to work at IBM World Trade Corporation.
Victor married Celia (nee Constable) in 1969 and she moved to New York to start married life in a studio apartment. Another opportunity in 1970 transferred him permanently to IBM WTC allowing a permanent move to the United States. The birth of Olivia Anne Wakefield was the final move to suburban Chappaqua. With an American daughter it made sense to became US citizens, which they did in 1993.
Victor continued his career with IBM. Using his knowledge with market research and planning he developed a new procedure to improve the data reports from the IBM WTC countries around the world. His job entailed extensive travel across four continents which gave him much pleasure.
In spite of Victors busy work life, he was a person who often said, “I’ve always been active. I’ve cycled as a teenager, played tennis, bowled and enjoyed many kinds of dance”. Add clock repair, a certificate in clowning, singing, photography, board games, volunteering in an early literacy program, classical music and acting in the Revels. As well as supporting Celia in her catering company, The British Butler. Victor was a Mensa life member
The Wakefield's retired to Maine in 1999, where Victor was active in Lions International, several musical groups, and St. Luke’s Cathedral, Portland. Victor is survived by Celia, his wife of 55 years, daughter Olivia and son-in-law Ken Wechsler, grandsons Aidan Wakefield Lee and Connor James Lee and step-granddaughters Kyla and Kendra Wechsler.
Please do not send flowers. Donations may be made to the American Lung Association or The Friends Service Committee.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras Funeral Homes, www.mainefuneral.com