John R. Weatherbee

Saco- John R. Weatherbee, 93, of Portland died on Saturday, April 9, 2016, at Seal Rock Health Care Center. On March 24, 1923, as a spring snowstorm raged in Springfield, Maine, Jennie Rogerson Weatherbees doctor was unable to make it through the snow so Dr. George Bradford Weatherbee delivered his son, John. John grew up in Hampden and graduated from Hampden Academy in 1941. During his first year at the University of Maine he joined the United States Army Air Corps. In his wool uniform he was shipped to the Pacific theatre and served three years until the end of WWII. Selected by his sergeant, a fellow New England man, he had a coveted duty in transportation, learning to drive all Army vehicles and impressing the officers with his diligence and humor. John returned to the University of Maine to complete his Bachelor of Science degree. While a student at the University his older brother, George arranged a blind date with Phylis Fraser. They were married in 1949. They started their married life in Exeter, New Hampshire where he was employed as a geneticist for Nichols Poultry developing new breeds of chickens. In 1963, they moved back to Hampden and John worked at Hansons Ski and Saddle Shop. In the off season he taught the guys in the backroom how to tie flies. The ski binding benches sported fly tying vises with intricate tiny flies. In his semi-retirement he pursued his passion for antiques establishing himself as an authority in glass and paper. John believed that you could learn anything by reading, and proved the point by building a kayak with his son George, based solely on a blueprint found in a magazine. When kayaking became too routine they outfitted it with a sail. John was an excellent gardener, furniture refinisher, painter and maple syrup producer. He was a man of many interests and talents. John and Phylis enjoyed traveling, and teaching their family downhill and cross-country skiing and sharing all these adventures with many beloved terriers. In their retirement they traveled to Florida and Arizona and later purchased a home in Portland. Their neighbors on Dorset Street became great friends. They shared potluck dinners, perennials, fruitcakes and homemade relish. John is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Phylis F. Weatherbee; sisters, Hope and Caroline Weatherbee; and brother, George B. Weatherbee. He is survived by his daughter, Anne Lindsay Weatherbee and her husband Brian Burtchell of Jay, their children Hannah, Tyler and Lindsay and Johns great grandson, Maddox; daughter, Deborah Weatherbee Shulman and her husband Fredric of New York and their daughters Lillie and Jennie; son, George Weatherbee of Portland and his son Zephyr, his wife Heather and daughter, Hannah. Arrangements are under the direction of Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, proudly serving the veterans of Greater Portland. To view Johns memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com. A celebration of his life will be held April 16, 2016 at Ri Ra Restaurant from 2 to 4pm. Memorial contributions may be made in Johns name to Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland Maine, 04101.