Obituary: Wendell J. Hamilton, III
Dateline: South Waterboro
Wendell J. Hamilton, III of South Waterboro, passed away in the comfort of his home and surrounded in love with his family by his side on March 9, 2023, at the age of 75.
He was born on March 27, 1947 at Goodall Hospital in Sanford, the son of Wendell and Mary (Valcourt) Hamilton, II of North Waterboro. He spent his first six years of his life there, before moving to South Waterboro where he lived until his death.
On October 20, 1973, he married, the love of his life, Brenda Brackett of Limington. They and their two children spent many years taking trips, camping, and hiking. Wendell loved photography and these family trips brought many memories, stories, and photos of being together.
Wendell was a volunteer for Waterboro Fire and Rescue, joining at the age of 18. He served as a firefighter and ambulance attendant. After many years he became the first EMT in Waterboro. He went on to train others, through The American Red Cross, teaching CPR and advanced first aid to those who were interested in serving on an ambulance, and teaching a few classes for Limerick Rescue. Included in the first aid class was a car extrications program.
Wendell and Fire Chief Richard Eugley were able to procure the first, new, box style ambulance/rescue for the Waterboro Fire Department. This style is still in use today. After many years of service, he left the fire department to concentrate on his family.
He joined the Boy Scouts in his teens and at the age of 18, Wendell became assistant scout mast for the Boy Scouts Troop # 306, in Waterboro. Later he became Scout Master for Hollis Troop # 323. While there, he had a very active troop, attending camporees, snow camping, and summer camp at Camp Hines. Aside from troop activities, he also led them on separate hiking and camping trips throughout the year.
The troop did many fund raising events, such as, Tom Watt kits, Clam Suppers, and other events to raise money to buy tents and camping supplies. During his tenure, the troop grew to be so large they split the troop. The assistant scout master of # 323 became the Scout Master and Wendell started the new Troop # 324, Hollis Center. He enjoyed his time with the Boy Scouts, but decided to resign after many years to enjoy time with his family.
Wendell was a member of Southern Maine Fire Notification Association and volunteer at York County Emergency Management.
Wendell attended and graduated from Sanford High School in 1965. He worked at several manufacturing jobs, before working a couple of years for York County Head Start Program. After a year at Limerick Footwear, he became a custodian for S.A.D. # 6 for about 22 years. Wendell then went to work in retail, working at Cumberland Farms for five years as an Assistant Manager, then promoted to Manager. After leaving Cumberland Farms, he became an Assistant Manager of Family Dollar, where his strong work ethic and experience led to becoming the Manager of the Waterboro store, and he retired after 15 years with the company.
Wendell was predeceased by his parents and by his sister Linda Hamilton Eugley.
He is lovingly survived by his wife Brenda Hamilton of South Waterboro; his sons James Hamilton and wife Cindylee of Auburn, Massachusetts; and Kenneth Hamilton and wife Dawn of Waterboro; also five special grandchildren; and two brothers, Arthur Hamilton of Lebanon and Larry Hamilton of Amity; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on March 18, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Bibber Memorial at Autumn Green, 47 Oak St., in Alfred where family and friends are invited to visit with Wendell’s family beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Committal prayers and burial will be held later in the spring at Pine Grove South Cemetery in Waterboro.
Online condolences and tributes may be shared at Wendell’s Book of Memories at www.bibbersautumngreen.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to So. Maine Fire Notification Association at SMFNA, P.O. Box 8234, Portland, ME 04104 or to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation at NFFF, P.O. Box Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, MD 21721.
Arrangements are entrusted to Bibber Memorial at Autumn Green, 47 Oak St., Alfred, ME.