HOULTON – John Frederick Wiggins, 78, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2013. He was born March 16, 1935, in Houlton, to George and Bernice (Armstrong) Wiggins.
John spent his youth working on the family farm. His love for cars became his passion and he made it his life’s work. He worked for London Motors and Northland Motors for many years before he and his brother, Lawrence, opened Wiggins’ Auto Repair. He enjoyed working in the pits at Gallop’s Race Track, across from his home on the Calais Road, where he spent many weekends. In the late 70s, he bought a 1966 Ford Mustang that he restored to perfection. It was his pride and joy. He and his wife, Gwen, enjoyed many years of camping, fishing, four-wheeling, snowmobiling and hunting and were able to take some of their grandchildren on those adventures. Dad was happiest when he was able to putter around the garage.
John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gwen White Wiggins; children, Stephen of Houlton, Douglas and wife, Pamela, of Oklahoma City, Cheryl Derrah and husband, Kevin, of Bangor and Tammy Sanford and husband, Kevin, of Hodgdon; grandchildren, Heather Bartlett and husband, Jake, Nicholas Wiggins and fiancé, Rachel, Jonathan Wiggins, Audra Thakor and husband, Suresh, Owen Wiggins and wife, Kendra, Matthew Derrah, Jordan Derrah, Kevin “Artie” Sanford and wife, Kristen and Kirby Sanford and fiancé, Brittany Clark; great-grandchildren, Ariel Farrar, TJ Farrar, Natalie Bartlett, Noah Bartlett, Annabelle , Bailey and Gavin Wiggins, Ali Thakor and Hunter and Wyatt Sanford; brother, Lawrence Wiggins and wife, Marie; sister, Frieda Jeffrey; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. John was predeceased by his parents, George and Bernice; brother, George Jr.; and sisters, Arlene, Marguerite, Dorothy and Deborah. A special thanks to Dr. Sussman and his staff for their wonderful care over the years.
Friends and family may call 10 a.m. until time of service at noon Wednesday, at Dunn Funeral Home with the Rev. Randall Burns officiating. Gifts may be made in John’s memory to Houlton Humane Society or SAVE-Automotive Tech, care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730. Online condolences and guest book: www.dunnfuneral.com.
John F. Wiggins
