Walter Wilson, Jr.

Walter C . Wilson , Jr . of North Andover died on January 1, 2009 at Edgewood Assisted Living after a short illness. Born in Lawrence and a life long resident of Andover, for 78 years Walter C . Wilson , Jr . aka Bud, enjoyed being unusually active in a great number of community affairs throughout his life helping others.

Bud, as he was known to all his friends, graduated from Punchard High School in 1946 and from Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburg, PA in 1940 where he met his wife of 59 years, Barbara Donley.

During the early '40's Bud worked for B.F. Sturtevant Co. (was part of Westinghouse) as a sales engineer and then served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, Bud came back to the Lawrence area to work with his father, uncle, and cousin in the family business, the Andrew Wilson Company. The business prospered and was one of Lawrence's highly respected smaller businesses until 1983.

Bud was always active in and gave countless time to the community affairs. His first interest was the Y.M.C.A, as a member and past President of the Y's Men's Club. He was the President of the Lawrence Y.M.C.A. from 1957 to 1959 and was Chairman of its Board of Trustees. His interest in the "Y" continued throughout his life.

In 1961, Bud was Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Town of Andover and from 1971-1972, he was the first President of the Merrimack Valley United Fund. During this time Bud established a foundation which has enabled the Fund to continually grow and serve the community.

Bud continued to serve the community in many various roles such as Director of the Lawrence General Hospital, West Parish Church, Andover Y.M.C.A., and the United Fund.

In the business community, he served as a Director of the Lawrence Co-operative Bank, and Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bay State National Bank. He is past Chairman of the Shelving Manufacturing Association and was also an Honorary Trustee of Lawrence General Hospital and Multiple Sclerosis Society, and President of the Merrimack Valley Visiting Nurses Association.

Bud belonged to, or has been Director of, several organizations including Pheonicean Lodge AF & AM, Lawrence Boys Club, National Council of YMCA's, Bon Secours Hospital Guild, and the Massachusetts Chapter of The Multiple Sclerosis Association.

Bud was also honored by the Ralph B. Wilkinson Award for his outstanding citizenship in 1982.

He was the beloved husband of Barbara Donley for 59 years and Elizabeth Yeaton for 4 years.

He is survived by his only daughter, Joanne W. Vietor of Methuen, 3 grandchildren Barbara Spzak and her husband, Michael of Danville, NH, Kathryn Doty and her husband, Thomas, of Haverhill and Susan Cadavid and her husband, Edward of Haverhill and six grandchildren.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 24th at 1:00 PM at the West Parish Church, 129 Reservation Road, Andover, MA. Reception to follow service at Edgewood, 575 Osgood St, North Andover, MA 01845.

At the request of his daughter, in lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to: Edgewood Assisted Living CIU Unit Building Fund, 575 Osgood St, No. Andover, MA 01845, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Central New England Chapter, 101 First Ave, Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451, the Hospice of Merrimack Valley, 36 Merrimack St, Lawrence, MA 01840 and/or a charity of your choice.

Read Walter Wilson , Jr .'s Obituary and Guestbook on www.mcdonaldfs.com.

Service

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave.
Wakefield , MA US 01880
Saturday, January 24, 2009, 1:00 PM