Walter Alden Leeman, Jr. '55
ORR'S ISLAND -- Walter Alden 'Aldie' Leeman Jr., of Orr's Island, died peacefully on July 16, 2011, at Maine Medical Center in Portland at the age of 77 after a long and courageous battle with heart disease. He was born in Brunswick on May 5, 1934, to parents Walter Alden Leeman Sr. of Orr's Island and Grace Egretta Murray of Bailey Island. He was grandson of Oscar William Leeman.
Alden was a life-long resident of Lowell's Cove where he based various self-employed fishing operations. Alden graduated from Brunswick High School in 1952 and from Maine Maritime Academy with an unlimited Merchant Mariners License in 1955. He then matriculated into Naval Officer's School and became an aviator, flying a variety of fighter jets and achieving 'Top Gun' status and awards.
In 1959 he became a member of the Marine Corps Reserves and continued flying jets through the early 70s while pursuing his life's work of commercial fishing. Alden was a great man who was idolized by many for his larger- than-life personality, undeniable charisma, integrity and awesome sense of humor.
Alden was a legendary fisherman and a true pioneer who engaged in blue water fishing; chasing swordfish to the far reaches of the North Atlantic Ocean. He was also involved in lobstering, gill netting, dragging, purse seining and hook-and-line fishing for a number of species. Alden was a sports fan and excelled in baseball and football during his school years. Extremely patriotic, he was known to fly the Red, White and Blue at his wharf and on the antenna of his pick-up. On fishing days, he would tune-in to the noon-time play of the National Anthem just before the Rush Limbaugh show. Alden held a keen interest in politics and would enjoy a good debate with almost anyone, anytime.
Alden's greatness made for his being a colorful character in his dear friend Linda Greenlaw's books. Mostly Alden was an extremely hard working man who adored his mother and loved a good laugh. Alden is survived by his wife Lisa Leeman of Orr's Island; his mother Grace Egretta Leeman, also of Orr's Island; daughter Teri Brown, her husband Robert, and their children Brad and Patric; daughter Dawn Prindall, her husband David, and their children Sam and Tim; son Walter Alden Leeman III, his wife Beth, and their children Zachary and Chelsea; his sister Katherine Larsen and her children Kirsten and Arthur and his wife Joanne; nephews Ben and Todd; and many loving cousins and devoted friends.
Alden's end-of-life instructions were very certain and deliberate; his remains will be scattered privately, as his beloved fathers were, at Ram Island. In respect and honor of Alden's wishes, there will be no memorial services. Arrangements are in care of Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick. Condolences can be expressed to the family at [ http://www.brackettfuneralhome.com/ ]www.brackettfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations
may be made to:
The Walter Alden Leeman Jr. Youth in Commercial Fishing Scholarship Fund Care of Lisa Leeman
at The Bank of Maine
6 Gurnet Rd.
Brunswick, Maine 04011-2729
Castine, ME 04420
(207) 326-2337
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