PERRY – Forrest “Rusty” L. Apt Sr., our beloved father, passed away unexpectedly March 6, 2009, at a Bangor hospital after a brief illness. He was born June 7, 1938, in Skowhegan. Rusty lived briefly in Connecticut and Massachusetts, but his heart was always in Maine, and he moved here permanently 17 years ago. He was a talented guitarist who passed up a scholarship to music school in order to work to support his parents; brother, Johnnie; and sisters, Ann and Cathy. Rusty had a passion for helping those less fortunate than others. He was always bringing home strays, people as well as animals, for a hot meal, change of clothes and a warm bed. Rusty had a warm spot for animals, and helped many throughout the years. He was a jack-of-all-trades and most recently did TV repair, as well as seasonal jobs. He had a love for country music. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Hazel (Apt) and John Waltman; and his brother, Johnnie Waltman. He will be greatly missed by his loving companion of many years, Elizabeth Pottle of Perry. Rusty is survived by his ex-wife, Dianne Apt, with whom he remained close friends. He will be deeply missed by his children, Sheila Apt, whom he was especially close to, and her companion of many years, Fred Currier, Forrest “Rusty” Apt Jr. and his wife, Margaret “Dolly,” Royce K. Apt and his wife, Elaine, and Annie Apt-Brackett, all of Perry. He is also survived by his son, Eric J. Apt and his wife, Michelle; daughter, Diana Gateman and husband, Joe, all of Massachusetts. He leaves his grandchildren, Hannah Currier, with whom he shared a special bond, Joshua and Ryan Currier, Leela Brackett and Patrick Bassett, all of Perry, Kailie Brackett of Bangor, Marie and Eric Apt of Holbrook, Mass. Rusty will be mourned by his sisters, Ann Light of Dennysville, with whom he spent much time, and Catherine and husband, Paul Pryor, of Stoughton, Mass. Rusty is survived by many nieces and nephews. Rusty leaves behind many friends. There will be no church service. Family and friends wishing to celebrate his life with the family may call 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the home of Rusty and Dolly Apt, 94 Thunder Road, Wabanaki Place, Perry. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dianne Apt, P.O. Box 345, Perry, ME 04667.
FORREST ‘RUSTY’ L. APT SR.
