Norman Philip Waite, Sr

PORTLAND - Norman Philip Waite, Sr., 94, died on February 14, 2013 at St. Joseph's Rehabilitation Residence with his family by his side. He was born at home in Leeds, Maine, on August 27, 1918, the son of Silas and Bertha (Grant) Waite. Norman grew up on a farm in Leeds. He graduated from Leavitt Institute in Turner. Norman contributed to the war effort by working at Bryant Chucking and Grinder Company in Springfield, VT, then joined the Army Air Corps during World War II. Norman was a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge Asylum #133 in Leeds. On Sunday, June 1, 1947 Norman married Florence Catherine Dickmann of Maspeth, Queens, NY marking the beginning of a wonderful marriage and life together full of love and devotion for the next 57 years. After marrying, they spent eight years in Liberty, NY before moving to Summit Park Avenue in Portland where they raised their family and resided ever since. Norman's career was spent at Portland Lithogragh from 1958 until his retirement. Growing up on a farm in Leeds, Maine set the tone for the rest of Norman's life where you learned to live with what you had, make do and waste not. Norman could fix anything, replicate anything or grow any flower or vegetable. Norman's true talent was in woodworking and craftsmanship. Norman crafted beautiful furniture, from an elaborate diningroom hutch to a doll house complete with tiny furniture. Norman enjoyed reading about history, the Civil War and avaiation. Norman liked to spend time with his family on Androscoggin Lake and had a full garden every summer. Norman enjoyed the simplicities in life and was kind, caring and gentle. His integrity, strong values and morals were passed on to his family and will be a legacy left. In addition to his parents, Norman is predeceased by his beloved wife Florence, in 2005; three sisters, Mildred Estes, Alice Waite, and Edna Whetzel; and his brother Edson Waite. He is survived by his 2 daughters, Priscilla Rundin and husband John of Falmouth, and Debra Waite and husband Charles Carroll of Shrewsbury, MA; son, Norman Waite, Jr. and his wife Louise of Myrtle Beach, SC; 7 grandchildren, Jason Donahue, Andrea Donahue, Sarah Shlatz, David Waite, William Carroll, James Carroll, and Victoria Carroll; 9 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Norman's wish was to have his life celebrated and not mourned. Burial will be in the Leeds Cemetery in the Spring. Arrangements entrusted to Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland. Memorial donations may be made to: Leeds Community Church, Church Hill Road, Leeds, Maine 04263.Online condolences may be expressed below.