Portland-John Walter Thayer Jr., 76, of High St. Bath passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2006 at Maine Medical Center with his family by his side.

He was born in Lewiston on September 30, 1929 the son of John and Flora (Crosby) Thayer Sr.

He enjoyed spending time at the family cottage at New Meadows River where he lobstered with his father and son. Walter loved hunting, smelt fishing, boating, gardening, planting flowers, sharing crops, Boston Red Sox and watching deer in the back yard. Walter also loved walking his dog Abigail and especially spending time with family and friends camping, birthdays and holidays.

Walter worked for Hyde Windless, the Coal Pocket, BNAS Bowling Alley and retired from Bath Iron Works.

He was predeceased by his parents, sister Carol Mack and brother William Thayer. Walter is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years Verlyn Thayer of Bath, son John W. Thayer III of N. Bath, daughters Sandra Sleeper and husband Mark of Woolwich, Paula Arsenault and husband Mark of Arrowsic, sisters Grace Young and husband Chuck of Bath, Madelyn Crafts and her husband John of Lisbon Falls, Elsie Card and her husband Charlie of Lisbon Falls, Flora Reed and her husband John of Woolwich, and 4 grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 11am at the 1st Baptist Church Washington St. Bath, on Saturday, April 29th .

Condolences may be expressed at www.kincerfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home 130 Pleasant St. Richmond, Me 04357