1937 – 2007

Thompson, CT- Walter Eames, 69 died Monday, January 15, 2007.  Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Richard E. and Mignon (Nelson) Eames. He was the beloved husband of Mary (Heath) Eames for 45 years.

He attended Worcester Boy’s Trade High School, Class of 1957.  The family lived in Worcester and then in Shrewsbury, before moving to Thompson, CT in 1956.  Walter served his country in both the Navy and the Army up until he was honorably discharged in 1962.

Walter started working for Barnard Roofing in Worcester and then went to work with his father in the R.E. Eames Sheet Metal Company in Worcester.  The company moved to Thompson, CT in 1968 and was sold when his father died in 1968.  He then went to work for Northeast Tractor Cab and Sims Tractor Cab.  He then worked as a sheet metal foreman at General Dynamics Electric Boat Division in Quonset Point, RI before retiring in 1990.

Walter was one of the original founders of the East Thompson Volunteer Fire Department in 1958 and served in various capacities within that department, including Chief, Deputy Chief, President and Director.  His devotion to the fire and emergency services was acknowledged by the Unpaid Professional Award in 1991 from the East Thompson Volunteer Fire Department and the Lieutenant Roger Therien Emergency Service Award in 2006.  While in the fire department, he became certified as Firefighter II and EMT.  Walter was an associate member of the Community Fire Company and served on the Community Ambulance as an EMT for many years as part of the “Saturday night crew.”  He was a Delegate to the Northeast EMS Council and Eastern Connecticut EMS Council in Norwich, CT.

Walter was a member of the Corner Stone-Quinebaug Lodge No. 122 of Thompson, CT and the American Legion.  He was a former member of the Nipmuc Water Ski Club in Webster, MA and the Wolf Den Chapter #103 of The North America Family Campers Association.

Walter loved NASCAR racing and attended most of the races held at the Thompson International Speedway as a firefighter.  He loved antique cars and attended many car shows with his “new” 1975, Bright Red, Corvette.  He and Mary owned is since 2000, and they earned 48 trophies with this Corvette.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Anastasia M. St. Hilaire, his granddaughter, Karen J. St. Hilaire, his furry children, Frosty, Sasha and MeMe, two brothers, John Eames and his wife Frances of North Kingston, RI, Richard Eames and his wife Patricia of Westerly, RI, a sister, Janet and her husband James Johnston of Anderson, CA, and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Everett N. Eames.

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass for Walter at 11:00 am Saturday, January 20, 2007, at St. Joseph’s Church, 20 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT followed by a reception at the Raceway Restaurant at Thompson International Speedway, E. Thompson Rd., Thompson, CT.  In lieu of flowers, Walter requested that donations in his name be made to either, The East Thompson Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 271, Thompson, CT 06277, The Corner Stone-Quinebaug Lodge No. 122 A.F. & A.M., PO Box 470, Thompson, CT 06277, or Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut, c/o Day Kimball Hospital, 320 Pomfret Street, Putnam, CT 06260.  Visiting Hours are respectfully omitted.  Arrangements by the Valade Funeral Home.