Wilmer, also known as Bill, was born in Aroostook County, Maine, to Alden and Verna McBurnie on March 27, 1922. His family moved to Richmond where he graduated from Richmond High School.
Following graduation, Bill enlisted in the Navy where he served as a flight engineer. He was stationed in England during WWII where his squadron was assigned to anti-submarine duty over the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay. Following his discharge at the end of the war, he helped his brother Keith and sisterin law, Marjorie, run the Tomheagan Camps at Moosehead Lake. Bill eventually settled in Woolwich where he was employed by Maine Central Railroad as chief operator of the Carlton Bridge for 35 years. During that time he also worked as a mason in the surrounding area.
Lake and spent many hours boating on the Kennebec River with his good friend, Hayden Temple.
Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife Dorothy, his daughter Debbie, brother Keith, and sister Kathryn.
He is survived by his son Bryon and his wife Alana of Colorado, his son-in-law Dom Eramo of West Bath and grandchildren Laura Eramo of Boston and her husband Phil Bond, Domonic Eramo of West Bath, Chris McBurnie of Austin, Texas, and Katie McBurnie of Phoenix, AZ.
He will be missed by all who knew him for his wonderful smile and quick wit.
A very special thanks to Brenda Call who helped care for Bill during his stay at the Moorings in Bath.
Visitation is scheduled at David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home on Oct. 28, 2014, from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by funeral service at 4 p.m. His burial will take place the following day at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, where he will be placed next to his wife, Dot.
To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
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