CAMDEN — Walter Lee Drinkwater, 73, died May 27, 2015, at Pen Bay Medical Center due to complications of Parkinson's and ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Born in Camden on Feb. 18, 1942, he was the son of Robie J. and Bertha (Hopper) Drinkwater.

Walt was a 1960 graduate of Camden High School, where he was an exceptional athlete who excelled in basketball and baseball.

On June 21, 1961, at the age of 19, Walter married Glenna Rollins in Camden. That same year, along with his father, he built the home that he and Glenna raised their family in on Mechanic Street. Later, he built their family camp on Coleman Pond in Lincolnville, where they spent many wonderful summers together as a family.

Walt enjoyed his hunting camp in Monroe nicknamed the ‘The Monroe Hilton,’ which he owned with his lifelong friend, Roscoe McFarland.

On May 1, 1964, Walt joined the Camden Fire Department, and in recent years, served with the fire police. For 51 years Walt was passionate and dedicated to the fire department and the community it served.

In 2002, Walt retired as a lab technician from FMC in Rockland after 34 years of service. He was instrumental in the development and manufacturing of carrageenan. He was well respected, and made many lifelong friends during these years at FMC.

Another important part of Walt's life was being involved in local youth sports. He coached Camden Little League, and junior varsity basketball at Camden Rockport High School. Walt continued his passion for youth sports while watching his grandchildren play competitively through the years.

An avid golfer, Walt was a member of the Goose River Golf Club, where he played almost every day. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a member of the Amity Masonic Lodge #6.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robie and Bertha Drinkwater; a brother, Lawrence Drinkwater; and a brother-in-law, Charlie Simmons.

Surviving is his wife of 53 years, Glenna Drinkwater; three children, Julie Landwehr and her husband, Peter, of Camden, Kurt Drinkwater and his wife, Amy, of Rockport, and Todd Drinkwater and his wife, Kendra, of Standish; his brother, Harold Drinkwater and his wife, Dot; and a sister, Maxine Simmons, all of Camden; seven grandchildren, Ryan and Adam Landwehr, Evan and Addie Drinkwater, and Morgan, Sage and Lucas Drinkwater; his nephews, Charlie Simmons Jr. and Greg Rollins; and his niece, Teri Hise.

A memorial service was held May 31 at the Rockport Masonic Center in Rockport.

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to Meals On Wheels, c/o MCH Inc., 46 Summer St., Rockland, ME 04841 or to Make-A-Wish Maine, 477 Congress St., Suite M1, Portland, ME 04101.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service.