DOVER-FOXCROFT – Elwin P. “Tinker” Burtchell, 77, died Sept. 1, 2009, at a local nursing home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born Aug. 4, 1932, in Dover-Foxcroft, the son of Kenneth W. and Elva M. (Bragg) Burtchell. He was a lifelong resident of Dover-Foxcroft, the only place he ever wanted to be. He was self-employed, first in the pulpwood and logging business, and then with gravel, a backhoe and septic systems. He served with the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division in the 1950s as a paratrooper. Tinker dedicated his life to his family. He loved being at the farm with everyone there, swimming, playing basketball and snowmobiling. He loved his work. His passion was his trucks, backhoe and loader and he spent hours “tinkering” on them. He is survived by two sons, Kenneth Burtchell of Ellsworth and William Burtchell of Dover-Foxcroft; a daughter, Roxanne Horne of Woolwich; a sister, Greta Ellis of Zephyrhills, Fla.; four grandchildren, Amanda Cuss of Bath, Jake Burtchell of Ellsworth, Haley Burtchell of Winthrop and David Burtchell of Augusta; four great-granddaughters, Eva, Penelope and Anna Cuss of Bath, and Lauren Burtchell of Ellsworth; and his first wife, Phyllis M. Burtchell of Dover-Foxcroft. He was predeceased by two daughters, Vicki Burtchell and Diane Burtchell; and his dedicated and loyal partner, Virginia Hews. A memorial service will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Dover-Foxcroft United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Margaret Sheffield officiating. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Bangor Humane Society, 693 B Mount Hope Ave., Bangor, ME 04401 or Womencare, 8 Mechanic St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426. Arrangements are in the care of Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.
ELWIN P. ‘TINKER’ BURTCHELL
