Burton McGinley Packard, 62, of Willimantic, passed away April 28 at a Bangor hospital.
Born in Dover-Foxcroft on Sept. 6, 1944, Burt was the son of Vivian McGinley and Burton Nesbuc Packard.
At the age of 18, Burt became and was for 44 years, a registered Maine Master Hunting and Fishing Guide. Being in the woods was his first and greatest love. Burt was well-known and respected as a guide and hunter of deer, moose and bear in the areas around Packard’s Camps at Sebec Lake, Lobster Lake and Moosehead Lake. He had expert knowledge of guns and ammunition and could often repair guns whose mysteries had flummoxed others. Being a fine craftsman allowed Burt to build fine houses as well as repair antiques and create pieces of art.
Burt had a gift for telling mostly true stories that only got better with each recital. His sometimes outrageous comments had anyone within earshot laughing. He was generous of heart, often helping those whose paths he crossed. Folks who were experiencing difficulty in their lives felt better after a chat with Burt.
Burt operated the Old Mill Campground in Rockwood for 10 years and spent several years working in construction in the Newcastle area and on Islesboro and Seven Hundred Acre Island. At the time of his death he was building a special house on the Wilson Stream in Willimantic, in a spot he had dreamed of living since his boyhood.
His education began in the Willimantic grade schools. Burt next attended school in Monson and went on to Higgins Classical Institute and Ricker College.
He is survived by his son, Burton Glen Packard; stepchildren, Beth Thomas and Steve Jones; grandchildren, Burton Garret Packard, Arian Marie Packard, Mica, Sammie and Camilla Jones, and Bailey and Sara Thomas; brothers, Gerald and Richard Packard, and sister, Debra Seneca and their spouses and partners; several nieces and nephews; two grandnieces; and his partner, Susan Cowles.
A celebration of Burt’s life will be held at a later date.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital, 364 Pritham Ave., Greenville, ME 04441.
Arrangements are entrusted in the care of the Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft.
