Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

OWLS HEAD – Walter H. Yattaw, 66, died Saturday, February 25, 2012, with his family at his side, at PenBay Medical Center in Rockport, following a gallant battle against cancer.

Born in South Hope, July 18, 1945, he was the son of Lewis A. and Jessie M. Pierce Yattaw. He was educated in local schools.

February 1st of 1969, he married Joanna L. Robarts at South Thomaston. Together they made a home for and raised a family of four children and have extended that love and care to include their five grandchildren.

From 1973 to 1981, with his wife, Walt owned and operated Timber Hill Market at Owls Head. The Yattaw family enjoyed many camping trips throughout Maine and Canada, and in 1992, Walt traveled by motorhome, across the United States with his wife and daughter Linda. In 1994 he flew to Hawaii and in 1999 he drove to Alaska. In more recent years, he sailed on several Caribbean cruises. He was affectionately known as ‘Grumpy’ by his grandchildren, friends and family.

For several years Walt was most recognized as Director of Maintenance and Emergency Medical Technician with South Thomaston Ambulance. In addition, he worked as a substitute bus driver for School Administrative District No. 5 and as a delivery driver for the former Owls Head Heating Oil Company.

The consummate public service volunteer, for many years he was a Firefighter / Captain with the Owls Head Fire Department, a member of the Rockland On-Call Firefighters Division, a member of the Town Council, Civil Defense Director and Constable for the Town of Owls Head.

As well as involvement in his community, and the life of his family and friends, Walt was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of the Knox Lodge of Masons No. 189, South Thomaston. He was a past member of the Knox County Fish & Game Association.

Other than his parents, Walt was pre-deceased by one brother, Lewis R. ‘Rusty’ Yattaw; four sisters, Marion Schultz, Rita Bigner, Phyllis Branwell and Pauline Baird. He is survived by his beloved wife Joanna; his children, Melissa B. Elwell of South Thomaston, Kenneth C. Elwell, Jr. and his wife Patti, Thomas W. Yattaw, Linda Marie Yattaw, all of Owls Head; five grandchildren, Joshua, Jessica, Sebastian, Samuel and Elizabeth; three brothers, Wilbur E. Baird and his wife Evelyn of Belfast, Alvin L. Yattaw and his wife Peggy of Owls Head, Roger F. Yattaw and his wife Donna; one sister, Mary Lou Batty all of Spruce Head; and two sisters-in-law Karen Yattaw of Spruce Head, Ardell Robarts of Owls Head; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A ‘Potluck’ informal celebration of Walt’s life, will begin at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 3rd, 2012 at the home of Kenneth and Patti Elwell, 149 South Shore Drive, Owls Head.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Coastal Opportunities, P.O. Box 637, Camden, ME, 04843, or Bob Gagnon Cancer Care Fund, C/O PenBay Healthcare, 22 White Street, Rockland, ME 04841.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. To share a memory or story with Walt’s family, please visit his guest book at www.bchfh.com.