In later years, he and his wife spent many days on the ponds and lakes, fishing from the boat and ice fishing. He would let his wife catch a big fish, but then he would always catch one just a little bit bigger. He was able to realize his lifelong dream – to fish in Alaska. He was able to get there twice, once with his good friends, Pat Ward and Joey Tibbetts. He returned to Alaska once more to fish the Alaskan waters with his wife, brother, Forrest Jr.; nephew, Forrest III; and friends, Buzz Grant and Kathy Hare. He spent his last hunting trip in Dixmont, red stag hunting, with his brother, Anthony; nephew-in-law, Frankie; and very special friend, Steven Santerre, who was like a son. He also enjoyed country music and spent many hours dancing to the music of the Midnight Rose Band, developing a very strong relationship with the band members. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veteran of Foreign Wars and a 23-year member of the American Legion, Post No. 8 in Cherryfield. He was a quiet man who took great pride in his home and family. He opened his home for many years to foster children, who became part of his extended family. He always put his children and grandchildren first and loved to spend time with them. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 33 years, Rebecca (Smith) Atwater; son, Shawn J. Atwater and his wife, Lisa, of Saco; his daughter, Sheri L. Hutchinson of Bucksport. He was so proud of Sheri and thankful to her for being there and taking care of him in his last days. She looked out for all his needs, day and night, allowing him to remain at home, which was his wish. He is also survived by his foster daughter, Jessica Buzzell and foster son, Donald Buzzell of Florida; granddaughters, Ashley Atkinson, Lindsay Swanson of Bucksport, Alisha and Emily Atwater of Saco; grandsons, Jacob Gray and Caleb Hutchinson of Bucksport; brothers, Forrest Atwater Jr. and wife, Sandra, Anthony Atwater and wife, Ann, Dale Atwater and wife, Brenda; brothers-in-law, Dean Smith and wife, Gloria, Arlo Smith and wife, Bonnie; sister-in-law, Marie Murphy; nieces, Tracey Reynolds and husband, Frankie, Alisa Brooks and husband, Kevin, Angela Holt, Michelle Bagley and husband, Carson, Bonny Haycock, Sandra Black and husband Clint, Deana Norwood and husband, Galen; nephews, Forrest III and his wife, Rene, Anthony “Tony” Atwater, Duane Atwater and his wife, Darcie, Daniel Atwater and his wife, April, DJ Atwater, Eric Murphy and his wife, Debbie, Larry Murphy, Jason Smith and his wife, Tracy, Ryan Smith and his wife, Jininie, Joel Smith, Phillip Smith and his wife, Patti, Michael Wilton and his wife, Gail; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Leon had been blessed with many close friends, Steven Santerre, Donald and Stacie Bradbury, Jerry and Carla McLean, Buzz Grant, Pat Ward, Hermie West, Bub Parritt, Murray Seavey and Bobby and Ivey Ellis. Many thanks to Alisha Santerre for caring for my grandson, Caleb, during this most difficult time. He was predeceased by his father, Forrest Atwater Sr.; an infant son, Troy; foster daughter, Nikita (Engberg) Kelley; niece, Charlene Bagley and her husband, Charles and children, BJ Colwell and Cady Bagley. Visiting hours will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 and funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, at the American Legion Hall, Post No. 8, Cherryfield with the Rev. Lewis Cushman, officiating. Arrangements by Bradgon-Kelly-Campbell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Leon’s memory may be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-0060 or The Shannon McCormack Foundation, Inc., 10 Maplewood Rd., Medfield, MA 02052.
SECOND SET
