HAMPDEN and FORT FAIRFIELD - Walter I. Henderson, 89, died Friday, March 11, 2011, at Maine Veterans Home, Bangor. He was born Oct. 11, 1921, in St. Francis, the son of Luther J. and Elizabeth (Daigle) Henderson. Walter grew up and spent his early years in Allagash, where his mother was a schoolteacher. He was drafted into the Army Air Force during World War II and worked on the first jet planes in 1944 at Muroc, Calif. Walter then worked for 18 years at Loring Air Force Base, where he was able to work with and on what he loved most, planes. Flying planes was a passion of Walter's. He was a commercial pilot and even built his own plane. When Walter wasn't flying he enjoyed the great Maine outdoors. Walter was a Maine guide, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was a member of the Big Buck Club, but most of all enjoyed perpetuating the sport by teaching his young nephews and grandsons how to hunt and fish. He enjoyed times with his family, often captivating his audience by his wonderful ability to tell stories. Walter will be remembered for his infectious smile, and as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. Walter is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Shirley F. (Johnson) Henderson of Hampden; two daughters, Gail McCarthy and husband, William, and their children, Daniel, Noelle, Michael and Joseph, all of San Diego, and Terry Anderson and husband, Bruce, of Mercer Island, Wash., and their children, Katie Gill and husband, Kyle, of Tumwater, Wash., and Todd Anderson of Seattle; great-grandchildren, Landon, Payton, Mikey and Buji; sister, Jessie Abrams of South Portland; two special nephews, Jeffrey Henderson and wife, Jackie, of Escoheag, R.I., and George Fowler and wife, Lori, of Hampden; his loyal friend, Myron Ogden and wife, Faralyn; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Walter was predeceased by his son, Chad Henderson; brothers, William and Robert Henderson; and a sister, Ruth Fowler. The family thanks CHCS Hospice and the C Unit of Maine Veterans Home, as well as all of the care givers to Walter for the many long hours of exceptional care given to him, especially to hospice volunteers, Kathy Vanaria and Emma Leeman, and his niece, Lori. A memorial service celebrating Walter's life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 19, at Jeff's Catering, 15 Littlefield Way, Brewer, with the Rev. Bob Henderson officiating. Family and friends are invited to a continued time of remembrance and light refreshments immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Walter's honor may be made to CHCS, attention: Hospice, 42 Cedar St., Bangor, ME 04401. Please memo checks with your name as well as Walter's. Arrangements entrusted to Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.