Colby Lee Whitaker

WATERVILLE – Colby Lee Whitaker, 88, passed away peacefully at The Oak Grove Center in Waterville, Maine, on the morning of August 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones both in person and in spirit as well as his thoughtful caretakers at Constellation Hospice Care and The Oak Grove Center with considerable recognition to his nurses, Gabby, Sydney and Anna.

Colby was born in Detroit, Maine on Oct. 28, 1936. He was the first son of Clyde and Cecile Whitaker of Detroit, Maine. He graduated High School at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, Maine then enlisted in the US Army. Soon after, Colby would marry his sweetheart, Judy Richardson of Pittsfield, Maine, on June 27, 1958. Colby would be stationed in Hanau Germany and Judy would soon follow him there where they would have there first son, Steven, in 1960. Once they returned to the US, they would build their family, adding Pamela, Scott and Shawn.

Colby then took a position in the maintenance department at Keyes Fiber Company in Waterville where he would rise to Plant Manager throughout the 1970’s and 80’s. During a short two-year assignment in Albertville, Ala., he would be tasked with opening a new Chinet paper plate plant from the ground up as plant manager. After retirement and his family was grown, he was led to Scarborough, Maine where he would purchase West Branch Woodcraft, turning a hobby into a way of continuing to provide for Judy and himself.

Colby’s passion was spending time making music and laughter with his brothers, sisters, family and friends alike. Countless get-togethers with them would fill his joy for life. Colby spent many weekends with his family camping, fishing, boating and hunting. He loved the peace that nature offered. He had a love of sailing and purchased a sailboat in Belfast, naming it The Judy Mae after the love of his life. He was a modest artist, painting many scenes of nature. He was a member of the Rotary Club, helping to promote goodwill and fellowship to the business and professional community.

When it came to being a grandfather, Papa had an immense love for all his grandchildren. Words can not even begin to describe. Rides on his tractor, teaching them to fish, always with a big hug and a kind word ending in “Dear”. He was so fortunate to have met his most recent great grandsons Banks and Henry Whitaker at the hospital and at Oak Grove before he left.

Colby was a kind soul, always lending a helping hand to anyone unconditionally. He enjoyed adopting a common sense solution to every challenge he faced. He will be dearly missed and will live on in all who he touched.

Colby was predeceased by his father Clyde Whitaker, mother Cecil Bartley Whitaker; sister Nadine Cooper, brother Edward Whitaker, brothers-in-law Wayne Richardson, Henry Sartin and his wife Gail Sartin.

Colby is survived by his beloved wife Judy Richardson Whitaker; his daughter Pamela, sons Steven, Scott, Shawn, daughters-in-law Betty McGovern, Christy Madore, Crystal Whitaker, son-in-law Mike McLaughlin; grandchildren: Adrien Rister; Jesse, Alex and Dylan Whitaker; Katie and Mike McLaughlin; Colby and Samuel Whitaker; Sarah and Tyler Whitaker; four great grandchildren; his brother Howard Whitaker, sister Sharon Crosby and her husband Roger Crosby, sister Linda Whitaker, sister-in-law Donna Glenn and her husband Gerald Glenn, sisters-in-law Lana Phair, Dodie Richardson; many nieces, nephews and countless family and friends.

A military service will be held at the Togus Veterans Cemetery, 129 Blue Star Ave, Augusta, Maine on Sept. 5,, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a gathering to celebrate his life at the The Elks Lodge 964, 397, Civic Center Drive, Augusta, 04330.

In lieu of flowers, Colby has requested that non-cash Veteran related item donations be dropped off at:

Togus VA Medical Center

Voluntary Service Office

Building 205 3rd Floor

1 VA Center

Augusta, ME 04330

Monetary donations can be made by mailing a check to:

VA Maine Healthcare System

Voluntary Service (135)

Togus VA Medical Center

1 VA Center

Augusta, ME 04330