HOLLIS – Dennis Edward Walker, age 74, passed away on February 19, 2025 at the Gosnell House in Scarborough, with his son, Bryan E. Walker at his side. He had been a resident of St Andre’s Health Care Center in Biddeford for 3 years. He had many medical issues including vascular dementia, which destroyed his body more than his mind. All the staff and residents enjoyed Dennis’ unique sense of humor and he sparked more than one resident to join in and laugh.
Dennis was born in Portland Maine on January 2, 1951 to Arlene Wardsworth and Joseph Walker. His younger years growing up on Munjoy Hill were the source of many of his stories. He also attended the Mildred Day School in Arundel but because of early childhood sickness he was only able to attend until the 8th grade. He participated in many training programs and was very adept at building and repairing just about anything. At the age of 14 he lied about his age and started working in a shoe factory in Biddeford. He was a hard worker, but always had time to help others. Where ever he lived, he was involved with that town’s fire and rescue departments. The skills he learned were very vital especially involving vehicular accidents. He was also a very talented artist and did a lot of commission work. The Waterboro Historical Society and the Buxton-Hollis Historical Society both have his paintings. He also was an excellent wood worker and loved to build Shaker Style furniture. As well as many children’s - items step stools, rocking horses, rocking motorcycles, teddy bear rockers. He had an eye for the finished details and had many repeat customers. Whether he was repairing a leaky faucet or building a house, he had the skills and if he didn’t, he knew where to find them. Among his many interests were scratch tickets, yard sales, stories of his best friend, Sammy and bragging about his grandchildren Tucker & Sierra.
His first marriage ended in divorce and 3 children, Jason J, Bryan E, and Heather L.
In 1988 he married Victoria “Vicki” Ferguson. He was proud to be able to make repairs to the 200 yar old cape Vicki had inherited. He built an addition and replaced the old barn with a large 2 story one which was almost big enough to hold his many collections. His children were a big part of his life and he always wanted to help them build the skills needed to live a good life. Because he did not have positive parental role models he did the best he could. He was a vital part of the Hollis neighborhood at the Bar Mills Bridge side of the river. Because of his skills, his wit and his honesty, word of mouth was all he needed to succeed.
He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, David Walker; brother Joseph Whalen; sister Susan Martindale. He is survived by his wife, Vicki, sister Dorothy Brown (Barney) Arundel, sister-in-law Louise Walker Saco, son Bryan (Kathy), grandchildren Tucker, Sierra of Sanford and several nieces, nephews and a great nieces and nephews.
Per Dennis’ wishes there will be no service. His ashes along with his beloved dog, Sammy’s ashes will be interred in June.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service website, www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the N.C. Watson One Room School House, c/o The Buxton Hollis Historical Society. When he was able, he did work on the building and wanted to see it continue as a historical part of our history. The mailing address is PO Box 34, Buxton, ME 04093.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras Funeral Homes, www.mainefuneral.com