Wallace “Captain Wally” Leeman passed away on April 16, just seven years after being diagnosed with brain cancer. He faced his diagnosis with courage and determination, and steadfastly worked to continue to get the most out of life that he could.
Born on Christmas Day in 1936 to Floyd and Bertha Leeman, Wally grew up in Round Pond during an era when life was simpler and perhaps harder. He attended the Washington School in Round Pond and graduated from Lincoln Academy in 1955. But his real schooling took place on the water and in the woods. It was a time when you had to shoot deer to put dinner on the table, brave the outhouse, and spend summer days picking blueberries on Loud’s Island for your mother’s pies. Entertainment consisted of listening to the Lone Ranger or the Green Hornet on the radio. By age 16 he was driving a truck for Mathias Benner during the day and lobstering at night.
In 1955 he married Carolyn Kelsey and began working as a mason for his father-in-law, Norman Kelsey. Important projects were the gym at Lincoln Academy and a wing of the then Miles Memorial Hospital. The water always beckoned. Nights fishing led to a series of his own fishing vessels. He went on to spend the next 30 years primarily dragging on ground fish, scallops, and shrimp and pursuing bluefin tuna. The Four of a Kind, named after his four daughters, was a prominent figure in New Harbor and Round Pond, and to the westward in York.
In 1990, Wally married Kathy Saunders. The fishing industry was in a state of decline, but together they recognized a niche in the tourist business to provide charter boat trips. “Saltwater Charters” was born and the F/V Paige Elizabeth (named after his granddaughter) launched. Many wonderful days were spent with folks out and about the waters of Muscongus Bay and beyond hauling lobster traps, discussing lobster biology, hiking islands, picnicking and the like. Deep friendships were formed from these trips. Wally was widely loved for his expertise in boat handling, his delightful Maine accent, the originality of his humor, and his general good nature.
Wally is survived by his wife of 25 years, Kathy; daughters, Nadine Brown (husband George), Sheila Chadbourne (husband Glenn), Tracy Verney (husband Verne), and Kelsey Leeman; brother, Donald Leeman (wife Marilyn); grandchildren, Jasper Reed, David Reed, Deric Verney, Paige Verney, Chad Erickson, and Ben Chute; great-grandchildren, Layla Reed and Sidney Reed; and nephews and nieces, Don Leeman, Martin Leeman, Daryl Leeman, Donna Ayala, Brenda Needam, Curt Anderson, Terry Taillon, Jodi Leeman, Marci Anderson, and Carrie Ames. Ronnie Mullen was like a son and Greg Knipe a treasured lifelong friend.
A gathering for all family and friends to share memories will be held at Wallace’s home from 3-6 p.m., Sat., April 25. Those that wish are encouraged to bring finger food to share.
Donations in Wallace’s memory made be made to the Bristol First Responders, 104 South Side Rd., New Harbor, ME 04554; or Lincoln County Animal Shelter, PO Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
