SORRENTO – Charles William “Willie” Bunker, passed away Aug. 13, 2006, surrounded by his family and his beloved dog, Bonnie, at his daughter’s home. He was born March 28, 1925, in Franklin, son of the late Effie Campbell and Lester Bunker Sr. Willie was raised in Franklin and enlisted in the Navy in 1943, served as a seaman first class in both the Mediterranean and North Atlantic Theaters of World War II and was honorably discharged in November 1945. After returning from the service, he made his home in Sorrento, where he raised his family. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, and was known to enjoy a good garden. Over the years he worked as a lobsterman on his boat, the Beth Elaine and as a carpenter, known especially for his spattered floors. In later years, he worked as a truck driver for Sorrento Lobster & Fish, and as a woodsman, spending many days on his skidder. He served as Sorrento’s harbormaster for several decades and was also a volunteer fireman for many years. Many remember his storytelling down at the pier in the early morning, at O’Connor’s store, Mark Andrews’ Garage, Dunbar’s Store, or at hunting camp. He was particularly well known and appreciated for the quick wit and dry sense of humor he shared with those around him. He will be sadly missed by family, friends, neighbors, Tara and his dog, Bonnie, to whom he was devoted in his later years. Willie is survived by his son, Timothy Bunker and his wife, Tina and daughter, Jocelyn, of Bucksport; his daughter, Beth Bunker-Anderson and her husband, Richard, of Ellsworth and their children, Courtney Bunker and his girlfriend, Katie Hodgkins, of Ellsworth, Alison Cote and her husband, Scott, of Otis, Cristin Anderson-Gardner and her husband, Troy, of Ellsworth; his daughter-in-law, Pam Hooydonk and her son, Kevin Bunker, of Spruce Head; his great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Seth, Hunter, Shelby, Silas and Ashton; his brother, Lester Earl Bunker Jr. of Bar Harbor; his sisters, Vera Foss of Hancock and Marjorie Getchell of Franklin; several nieces and nephews; and by his special friend and first sweetheart, Ruth Pung of Franklin, with whom he reconnected in later years. Charles was predeceased by his wife, Rita Brooks Bunker; his wife, Irene Hawes Bunker; his son, Richard “Dickie” Bunker; his grandson, Eric Bunker; and his siblings, Manford Smith and Arlette “Reese” Trundy. A graveside remembrance service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at Bayview Cemetery, Franklin. Family and friends will be wearing his favorite color, orange. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Diabetes Association, Memorial and Honors Program, P.O. Box 1132, Fairfax, VA 22038. Arrangements are under the care of Bragdon-Kelley-Campbell Funeral Home, Ellsworth. www.bragdonkelley.com
CHARLES W. BUNKER
