BANGOR – Wayne Elden Duplisea, 85, died May 24, 2010, at a Bangor health care center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Feb. 20, 1925, in Bangor, the son of Perley A. and Lida (White) Duplisea. Wayne attended Hermon schools. He started working for Bangor and Aroostook Railroad at the age of 18 and was employed there for 43 years. At the time that he advanced as a locomotive engineer, he was told by the railroad that he was the youngest man to ever qualify on a steam locomotive in New England and probably the United States. Along with his father, Perley, also a B&A engineer, he made railroad history in 1962 by manning the last B&A passenger train run from Caribou to Bangor. He was also a former director of United Transportation Union. Wayne was a member of Lynde Lodge No. 174 AF & AM of Hermon, Anah Shriners and St. John’s Commandery. He was an active member of Essex Street Baptist Church for 59 years, serving as an usher, the board of directors, vice-president of the men’s group and church historian. Wayne was a volunteer tour guide and donator of railroad memorabilia at Cole Land Transportation Museum, a volunteer at Leonard Mills, a registered Maine Guide, a former Penobscot Snowmobile Club member and a member of the Fin and Feather Club. He was a great lover of nature, the outdoors and photography. Wayne was an avid railroad fan and collector of railroad memorabilia. He wrote many stories for various magazines including Down East, Up North, Echoes, Vintage Rails, Railfan, The Northern Maine Journal and the Maine Line, pertaining to personal experiences while employed by B&A. He was featured in a story regarding his career that appeared in a National Geographic Magazine supplement. Wayne was a speaker at many events pertaining to railroading. He appeared on “Bill Green’s Maine,” and in featured railroad history videos on MPBN. Wayne and Rita traveled extensively, visiting much of the United States, including Hawaii, also Canada and the Caribbean. They enjoyed many winters in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Wayne enjoyed many years at his camp on Third Debsconeag Lake. He also enjoyed fishing in Quebec and Labrador. He wrote a manuscript entitled “So This is Labrador,” describing his experiences exploring the Canadian peninsula. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 62 years, Rita (Bowen) Duplisea of Bangor; son, Gary and wife, Laura, of Holden, and their children, Genna of Portland and Matthew of Holden; son, Rodney and wife, Karen, of Bangor; one sister, Mildred Higgins; brother-in-law, Richard Higgins of Lady Lake, Fla.; sisters-in-law, Virginia Gordon of Hermon and Carla Leavitt of Newburgh; a brother-in-law, Stanley Bowen of Hermon; many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a very special cousin, Diana Casey of Bangor; and many special friends who he loved dearly. In his last days he comforted his family by expressing his peace, happiness and faith in God. Wayne was predeceased by his father, Perley Duplisea in 1989; and his mother, Lida (White) Duplisea in 1929. Relatives and friends are welcome to call 5-7 p.m. Thursday, May 27, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a Masonic memorial service will be conducted 6:30 p.m. by the officers and members of Lynde Lodge of Hermon. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, May 28, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, with the Rev. Randy Wilbur, pastor of Essex Street Baptist Church and the Rev. Richard Reynolds, former pastor of Essex Street Baptist Church, officiating. Those who wish to remember Wayne in a special way, may make gifts in his memory to Essex Street Baptist Church, 82 Essex St., Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
WAYNE E. DUPLISEA
