Wayne Edward Weeks

OAKLAND – Wayne Edward Weeks, 89, of Oakland, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday morning, Jan. 15, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on June 5, 1936, in Hartland, Wayne was the firstborn of John E. and Genevieve (Clifford) Weeks of St. Albans. His legacy is defined by hard work, an unwavering commitment to his community, and a renowned “can-do” spirit. He was famous for his ability to fix or make anything and lived by the motto, “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”

A 1956 graduate of Hartland Academy, Wayne earned the nickname “Fireball” as a pitcher for the baseball team. He was also a dedicated member of the Future Farmers of America, showing sheep at the Skowhegan State Fair. It was there that he met the love of his life, Ellen, to whom he was married for nearly 60 years.

Wayne’s lifelong fascination with groundwater began in high school after a dowsing presentation. He immediately crafted his own dowsing rod from an apple tree branch and discovered a vein of water on his property. He continued to practice the art of “water witching” throughout his life. At age 17, he and his father built a primitive well-drilling machine from salvaged parts on their homestead. Following a brief apprenticeship, Wayne purchased his first machine and founded “Weeks and Sons Well Drilling.” He operated the business- now owned by his son Mark- for over 65 years. Wayne was also a longtime member and multi-term president of the Maine Ground Water Association (MGWA)

In his early years, Wayne supported his growing family with winter roles as a Game Warden, at the John Ernst Farm in Sidney, and at Hardy Taylor’s small engine repair shop.

A devoted member of the Oakland Lion’s Club for 59 years, Wayne served as King Lion (president) multiple times and served as District Governor from 1988-89. He used his welding skills and along with his brother Earle, constructed iron undercarriages for Personal Energy Transportation (PET) machines, providing mobility to individuals with disabilities internationally. Alongside other Lions, he helped purchase land on Hubbard Street and donated lumber from his sawmill along with his labor to construct the club building, a contribution for which he was recently honored with a commemorative plaque.

Wayne was a man of many talents and hobbies. He operated a Christmas tree farm, selling garland to local florists and hand-making wreaths for the Lions Club, including a final batch of 90 this past November. He also enjoyed crafting “Wayne Deer” from logs and branches. He produced maple syrup and honey to share with family and friends and loved trout fishing at Hatch Falls. Deer hunting was his lifelong passion which led him to establish a deer camp in on his acreage in St. Albans in the 1960’s that he shared with his friends and family throughout his life.

Committed to his community, Wayne served on the town budget committee for some years and was chosen as the Grand Marshal for the 2016 OakFest Parade. He took great pride in visiting the town office in person quarterly to pay his taxes and catch up with the staff.

In retirement, Wayne and Ellen spent winters in Port Charlotte and Zephyrhills, Florida, where he discovered a passion for painting nature and animals. His artwork now adorns the walls of his home. In his later years, he remained active in his vegetable garden and his “What Not Shop,” preparing for wreath-making and reminding us all that life is best lived with purpose and enthusiasm.

At the time of his passing, Wayne was ready to meet his Maker, his loved ones and the Lord. He is survived by his five children; Wanda (Mark) Heim, John (Ronda) Weeks; Scott (Robin) Weeks; Mark (Michelle) Weeks; Sarah (Chip) Weston. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and his brothers Earle and Dean Weeks of St. Albans. He was predeceased by his wife Ellen Mary (Bucknam) Weeks, an infant son, and grandson, Joseph Colby Heim.

Visitation will be held at Wheeler Funeral Home on Church Street in Oakland on Thursday, January 22, from 3-7 p.m. The service will take place Friday, January 23 at 12 p.m., noon, at the United Baptist Church, 45 Church Street, Oakland, followed by a luncheon at the Masonic Lodge, 250 County Road, Waterville. Internment is planned for early June.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Oakland Lions Club:

76 Highland Drive,

Oakland, ME 04963