Falmouth-Arthur Stephen Wescott, Jr. passed away peacefully on January 1, 2019 at his home of 58 years; sharing his last days and moments with family and friends.
Born in Portland, Arthur was raised by his mother, Susan B. Pillsbury Wescott, and grandmother, Mabel Waterhouse Pillsbury. He attended Portland schools and graduated from Scarborough High School. At a young age, Arthur honed his handyman skills as a member of the Boy Scouts. During high school he worked at Roberts Office Supplies in the afternoons, making deliveries on his bicycle. He enlisted in the military and was called to service at age 17, receiving his diploma but missing his high school graduation ceremonies. He served in the US Coast Guard aboard the USS Pueblo PF13 and USS Annapolis PF13 in the Pacific during WWII. He was also a United States Air Force Observer. After serving his country he attended Grey’s Business School in Portland and worked for Fred Merrill construction.
Arthur met the love of his life, Florence Eva Dexter, on a blind date in Portland organized by his best friend. They celebrated 67 years of marriage on June 2nd, 2018. Arthur and Florence enjoyed dancing, skiing, golfing and traveling together. Later in life, they shared weekly drives to the Portland Eastern Promenade to watch boats in the harbor.
After meeting Florence, Arthur joined the Sherwin Williams Company as a store manager in Bangor, relocating briefly to Springfield, Massachusetts and then settling in Portland. He worked for the Sherwin Williams Company for 32 years, receiving top achievement awards. During that time he was an active member of the local junior chamber of commerce, sales executive clubs, American Legion, Toastmasters International, and was actively involved in the Falmouth Congregational Church. After retiring from Sherwin Williams he opened, owned and managed the Devoe Paint Store in Portland, Maine.
Arthur was a man of countless hobbies: gardening, woodworking, carving, painting, coin collecting, hunting, bird watching, genealogy, collecting golf balls, and photography. He loved being outside and being active, picking up skiing and golf in his late 20’s. During these activities he developed deep relationships with friends, meeting up for coffee breaks on the ski mountain or golfing with his “Dew Sweeper” partners at the Riverside Golf Course. He was a founding member of Viking Village at Sunday River, where he built one of the first homes with his own hands and tools. Here he instilled his love of the outdoors and skiing in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was known for his “woo hoo” ski call and for carving smooth turns in his fashionable one-piece ski suit and red, white and blue hat.
Above all, Arthur was a family man; he loved attending events and following the lives of his family. Arthur is survived by his wife Florence Dexter Wescott; their children: Stephanie Yates, Deborah (David) Jaques, James Wescott (predeceased May 2018), James’ wife Diana Horne Wescott and Susan (Michael) Payson; grandchildren: Jason Yates, Cpl. USMC (predeceased), Vanessa Yates (Gary) Jensen, Adam Wescott, Nicholas (Ashley) Wescott, Zachary Wescott, Heather Jaques, Chris (Christa) Jaques, Maxwell Payson and Abby Payson; great grandchildren: Madeline, Luke and Kylie Jensen, Aubrianna, Mason, Wyatt and Skylar Wescott.
A special thank you to Falmouth emergency responders, the doctors and nurses at Maine Medical Center, Intermed and New England Cancer Specialists, and Northern Light Homecare and Hospice.
A memorial service will be celebrated at the Falmouth Congregational Church at 2 pm Sunday, January 6th, with a Celebration of Life to immediately follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road, Falmouth ME 04105, or to the charity of your choice.
You may offer your condolences or share your memories at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com
