Walter Berton Dearborn

DEARBORN, Walter Berton, 88, MARS HILL, January 15, 2013. A graveside service with military honors will be held in the spring. Arrangements are in the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, Mars Hill.

MARS HILL – Walter Berton Dearborn, 88, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully at the Aroostook Health Center in Mars Hill on January 15, 2013, of natural causes He was born on January 1, 1925, in Robinson, ME, the son of Fred and Eva (Gilman) Dearborn, the youngest of 10 children.
    He married the love of his life, Pauline (Polly) Ann Nutter on November 8, 1957, and they enjoyed over 55 wonderful years together. His devotion to her was evident to anyone who knew them.
    Walt graduated from ACI and went on to attend Ricker College. Additionally, he attended Harvard University and Boston College for officer training after joining the U.S. Army in 1943. He was part of the 26th Division serving in Normandy and rose to the rank of sergeant. As a result of his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star and several other medals in a delayed ceremony in 2006. He was very proud to be a veteran and of his service to our country.
    Walt had many professions during his life. He owned a grocery store and was the postmaster in Robinson. He later founded Dearborn Truck Brokerage in Mars Hill which became a very successful venture. He sold the business and retired in 1990. He was an active member of the Mars Hill Rotary since 1957. He received many awards for his dedication and service as well as serving as president for a period of time. He was particularly proud to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award.
    Walt had many interests and hobbies including gardening, golfing, fishing, hunting and spending time with Polly. They enjoyed entertaining good friends at their camp at Young Lake in Westfield. He was also an avid sports fan, never giving up on the Red Sox.
    Walt and Polly were always generous contributors to many local and charitable organizations, often organizing events to benefit local causes and fundraising needs. His contributions to the local community are too numerous to mention.
    Walt is survived by his beloved wife, Pauline (Polly); two sons, Roger Nichols and his wife, Shirlee of Uintah, UT, and Mark Nichols and his wife, Christine of Reno, NV. He was very fond of his grandchildren, Shaun, Amber and Sossity; and great-granddaughters, Satori and Shae all of whom affectionately called him “Bumpy”.
    A graveside service with military honors will be held in the spring for family and close friends. The exact date and time will be announced at a later time. Donations may be made in his honor to the Central Aroostook Humane Society, 26 Cross St., Presque Isle, ME 04769 or online at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org or a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.