ST. GEORGE — Wayne Edward Hilt, 81, passed away peacefully at the Sussman House with his family by his side, Thursday, October 9, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend; a bright light to many.

Wayne was born May 15, 1944, in Damariscotta, to Lorraine Armstrong and Valmore Hilt. He grew up in Saint George, and it was there he chose to remain his entire life. He loved his town and had countless stories to tell of growing up and the adventures he had along the way.

A hard worker who took pride in everything he did, Wayne worked for the State of Maine Department of Transportation and served as Fire Chief of Saint George for several years. In 1977, he started his own business, Hilt's Construction, and was contracted by the DOT to plow and sand the peninsula from South Thomaston to Port Clyde—a responsibility he took very seriously and one that provided him with many stories from his time as "the snow plower."

Wayne had many passions that brought him joy: four-wheeling, hunting, smelting, and motorcycling. He also had a deep love for his dogs, who were his faithful companions. His dedication to his community and friends was recognized in 2010 when he was awarded a Certificate of Outstanding Service to his community. He and his wife, Joyce, opened their hearts and home as foster parents to many children over the years, always putting his loved ones first. Though he was a ‘big guy,’ he was truly a big teddy bear who wore his heart on his sleeve and had so much love to give.

Predeceased by his mother, Lorraine Armstrong; his father, Valmore Hilt; his sister, Valerie Harjula; and his grandson Cody James Flaherty; Wayne is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce Hilt of Saint George; his children, Michelle Colson and her husband Mark, Sr. of Cushing, Teresa Hilt and her fiancé William Chabot of Saint George, Sally Gaffey and her husband Jim of Saint George; his adopted sons, Phillip Kyser and Vincent Hilt; his grandchildren Stacy, Breanna, Mark, Jr., Chase, Nicole, Jayden and Marinthia; and his great- grandchildren, Daxton, Mark, III and Seth.

A memorial service will be held Monday, November 3, 2025, at 1 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. A Celebration of Life gathering will follow at Saint George Grange, Wiley’s Corner Road, St. George.

Donations can be made in Wayne's honor to the Saint George Grange or the Saint George Fire Department.

To share a memory or condolence with the Hilt family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.