Walter Edward Pearl

OAKLAND – It is with a great sense of loss that the family of Walter Edward Pearl, 74, share that he died at his home on March 16, 2025, following several years of failing health.

Born in Waterville, June 2, 1950, he was the son of Walter E. Pearl Sr. and Thelma Hussey Pearl.

Ed spent his childhood in Winslow and was a member of the Winslow High School class of 1969. He was known for his sense of humor, quick wit, mischief-making and love of music. He was a vocalist in a local band, The Imposters, and a percussionist in the high school band. It was also during this time that Ed became an Eagle Scout.

Following high school he worked for several local businesses, including his father’s Crown Inc., where he learned auto mechanics, and the K2 Ski Company, where he was a member of the demo team and tuned skis for world cup ski racers. He was often seen skiing the slopes of Sugarloaf. After marrying Susan Wells and moving to the Clearwater, Fla., area, where they lived

for nearly a decade, Ed returned to Maine, divorced and fulfilled his dream of living on a lake.

He settled in Oakland and established a successful painting business, Pearl Painting, from which he retired after nearly 25 years. For many years he was employed part time by New England Country Music Festivals as an assistant concert promoter and stage manager.

Ed took great pride in his home, making many improvements and establishing beautiful gardens, commenting often on how much he loved living there. A man of many interests, he enjoyed woodworking, furniture restoration, fishing, boating, photography, loon and eagle watching and listening to his large collection of vinyl record albums and CDs. Ed enjoyed telling a great story (often embellished), reminiscing with friends and family and hosting gatherings.

Heading out on the lake in his Stingray was always an adventure.

He graciously volunteered his time, talent, and expertise to many local organizations in the Waterville-Oakland area including the Town of Oakland’s Waterfront Park gazebo construction project and the Messalonskee Lake Association. For many years he was a dedicated and valued volunteer at the Waterville Area Humane Society where he spent countless hours assisting in any way he could. The many cats that he adopted were, indeed, very lucky felines!

Ed is survived by his sister Mary McNeil and her husband George of Steep Falls, his niece Caitlin McNeil Lincoln, husband Joshua and daughter Nina of Brunswick, his nephew Christian Milneil, wife Jessica and daughters Mona and Maxine of Portland, several cousins and many personal and Facebook friends, business associates, and of course, his beloved cats, Leo, Smokey, Tom and Brooklin.

An opportunity to share memories of Ed with family and friends is planned for the summer.

Memorial donations in Ed’s name may be sent to:

Humane Society

Waterville Area

100 Webb Rd.

Waterville ME. 04902.

HSWA.org

Walter Edward Pearl