1933 – 2015

AUBURN — Walter Frederick McKenna, 81, of Winter Street in Auburn passed away on Thursday, Jan. 22, at Clover Manor Nursing Facility.

Born in Mexico, he was the son of Wilfred and Viola (Wilton) McKenna. He attended Mexico schools and graduated from Mexico High School.

After high school, he served his country in the Korean War. He later attended college in Boston, where he studied electrical heating and lighting. He worked for Central Maine Power Company all of his life until his retirement.

He married Irma “Carole” MacDonald in 1958, and together shared their home with many foster children as well as their own.

In his younger years, he enjoyed playing golf and bowling and was a member of company leagues. He especially enjoyed spending Summers with his family at their camp in West Peru at Worthley Pond. He was an avid fan of the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. He was also known to be a “history buff” and especially enjoyed American history. He had a “love” for Gaither Gospel music and also enjoyed western movies.

He will be lovingly remembered for his heroic act in saving the life of a choking man at a restaurant in Mexico as he was celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary.

He was a member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and served on the vestry, and he taught Sunday school in earlier years. He later found his calling with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He is survived by his wife, Irma “Carole” McKenna of Auburn; his four daughters, Mrs. Gerald “Terri” Couture of Hermon, Mrs. James “Susan” Carver of Minot, Miss Barbara McKenna of Portland and Mrs. Michael “Tiffany” Savage of Turner; one son, Michael and his wife, Robin, of Strong; two granddaughters, Mrs. Alexander “Bethany” Couture-Rosado of Hermon and Miss Sandra Gilson of Portland; five grandsons, Travis Couture of Hermon, Christopher Carver of Buckfield, Brandon McKenna of Portland, Alexander McKenna of Strong and John Gilson of Portland; two sisters, Mrs. Helen Gilbert and Mrs. Anne Dawson, both of Rumford. He leaves behind his life-long friend, Ray Mawhiney of Rumford/Mexico.

He was predeceased by a son, Darren in 2014; a daughter, Lisa in 2002; three brothers, Albert, Carl and Robert McKenna; and one sister, Jean Hanson.

Condolences and fond memories may be expressed to the family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.