DEDHAM – William A. Piirainen, 95, died Sunday, May 8, 2005, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Bangor. He was born Feb. 20, 1910, in Rockland, the son of Augusti Piirainen and Ida (Ojala) Piirainen Johnson. Willie was a longtime resident of Dedham. As a young man, he worked in various logging camps. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a chemical weapons handler traveling throughout the European Theatre. After his Army service he continued logging with his stepfather, Kusti Johnson and later worked for many years at the Ken Dresser chicken farm in Bucksport. After retiring, Willie continued to live in Dedham until his move to the Bangor House where failing health required a subsequent move to the Maine Veterans’ Home earlier this year. Willie had a great memory of people, places and events. He never passed up a cribbage game and loved “skunking” his opponent. An avid outdoorsman, he especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and playing horseshoes. Even though he enjoyed his sauna, he always kept it heated for others to enjoy. Chopping wood was not only a way of life but was also an art. Willie lived independently and was self sufficient until his recent failing health. Surviving are nephews, Alfred Cyr and his wife, Maria, of Dedham, Richard Cyr and his wife, Sheila, of Dedham, Robert Cyr and his wife, Annie, of Anchorage, Alaska, Walter Cyr and his wife, Jeanette, of Anthony, Fla.; nieces, Ida Martin and her husband, Robert, of Dedham, Katherine Lawson and her husband, Charles, of Dedham, and Sylvia Upham of Gorham; 19 great-nieces and great-nephews; 26 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and one great-great-great-nephew; and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Bertha (Piirainen) Cyr and Lila (Piirainen) Austin. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Kiley Funeral Home, 69 State St., Brewer.
WILLIAM A. PIIRAINEN
