Fitchburg native, WWll Vet; 94 EDGARTOWN -- Arthur Edwin Winters, of Edgartown, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 4th, in Martha's Vineyard Hospital, at the age of 94.Arthur was born in Fitchburg, MA, on January 22, 1918. He was the son of the late John and Tyyra (Kotila) Talviainen. He married Virginia Irene Broome in 1947.He was a graduate of Fitchburg High School in 1935.Arthur enlisted in the United States Army on December 8, 1942. He was a member of the 753rd tank battalion, serving during WWII. He was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism on November 21, 1944 in France. He was honorably discharged in 1945.Arthur was appointed to the Fitchburg Fire Department in September 1950. He retired in January 1975.Arthur spent over 25 years vacationing on Martha's Vineyard until his retirement in 1975 when he and Virginia moved to Edgartown.Arthur was a great outdoor enthusiast, enjoying golf, cross-country skiing, fishing, scalloping, quahoging, and his extensive garden -- especially tomatoes and raspberries.Arthur was a member of Edgartown Golf Course ("Night Crawlers"), Edgartown Rod and Gun Club and he served on the Martha's Vineyard Stripped Bass and Blue Fish Derby Committee from 1981-1992. Arthur also volunteered at the MV Boys and Girls Club Secondhand Store for many years.In 1987, he lived up to his reputation as the Vineyard's "Bonito King". He landed a Bonito weighing 11 pounds, 15 ounces from his 12' aluminum outboard boat. Had the Bonito been one ounce heavier, his fish would have earned him a world-record standing in the 10-pound line test category.Arthur was honored in the Derby Hall of Fame in 2004. He was part of the new sub-group of Derby Committee members who traveled about New England with the goal of creating a new and more positive image for the Derby. Arthur sold Jeep raffle tickets at the shows and at all island activities. It was Arthur and Cooper Gilkes who gathered bait at 3 AM before each Kid's tournament.Arthur received the 2002 Senior Citizen of the Year in Edgartown upon being nominated by the Edgartown Council on Aging. The criteria for receiving the award included enthusiasm for involvement within the community; a willingness to help others; acting as a role model to peers; and, being an overall representative of outstanding senior citizens in the town.WINTERS -- A graveside service will be held in Edgartown. www.ccgfuneralhome.com