JOHN C. WELLINGTON

JOHN C. WELLINGTON MANSET – John C. Wellington, of King’s Lane, passed away Monday, Nov. 19, 2007, surrounded by his family and friends at his home, as a result of prostate cancer. He was born April 8, 1920, in Sioux City, Iowa, and was adopted by Raynor and Margaret Wellington shortly thereafter. He spent the first nine years of his life splitting time between Vermillion, S.D., and his family’s summer home in Manset. The family moved to Belmont, Mass., and he was educated in local schools while still spending his summers in Manset. He attended Brown University, the University of South Dakota and graduated from the University of Maine on the GI Bill in 1947. He served in the Army Air Corps, Air Transport Command, during World War II in the China Burma theatre. After his graduation from the University of Maine, he began work for WLBZ radio, Bangor, as a news announcer, eventually became news director and was the host of one of the first talk shows in Maine. His morning talk show, “Let’s Talk It Over” was on the air for many years and dealt with the important issues of the day. Jack retired from WLBZ in 1974 and lived in Southwest Harbor and Manset. He felt that it was his duty to spread jokes and limericks to all who would listen and most did. His ability to remember and recount the stories was a constant source of amazement to his family and friends. He played golf and tennis for many years, with more passion than ability, but was always willing to jump in again, often to the dismay of some of his partners. As a member of the “fearless foursome” at Causeway Club, he could always be found, if you followed the laughter. He volunteered his time and resources to those that had need and never sought anything in return. He was a truly giving man who tried to help others, even if it was only a kind word. He spent more than 5,000 hours at Southwest Harbor Medical Clinic as the unofficial greeter and general helper, and purveyor of the joke a day plan. He stopped working at the clinic in mid-October, and he, but not his coffee making skills, have been missed. Jack could be seen walking his dog, Odie, around the town, muttering colorful terms of endearment. Regardless of the weather, Jack was determined to make himself an easy target on the highways and byways of Southwest Harbor and Manset. The family want to express appreciation to all those who missed. He is survived by his son, John and his wife, Marianne; his daughter, Leslie Wellington; and by his stepchildren, John Johnston and wife, Lydia, and Charles Johnston. Jack was very fond of his grandchildren and great-grand-children, Jay Wellington, Julie Valaitis and her husband, Joseph, and their children, Morgan and Mitchell, Louis “Buddy” Charlett and Erin Cheney Charlett and her son, Basilio, and John and James Johnston. The family thanks all those who provided support to Jack and to them during Jack’s illness, especially Laura and Mel Cain, Rose Faulkingham and all of the medical staff that provided care. A memorial service is planned for next year and details will be published at that time. Friends may make contributions in lieu of flowers to Island Connections, Hancock County SPCA or Southwest Harbor Library. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert. Condolences may be expressed online at www.jordanfernald.com.