Walter E. Christie, Jr., 78, of Derry, NH, died Sunday, June 13, 2010 at his home. Mr. Christie was born in Lawrence, MA on June 6, 1932, a son of Walter E. and Ethel (Bullock) Christie, Sr. He was a resident of Derry for over 30 years, formerly living in Haverhill, MA. Mr. Christie was a US Air Force Strategic Air Command Korean War veteran serving from 1951 - 1955 in the South Pacific. He was an honorary life member of the American Legion Lester Chase Post #9 in Derry, and an honorary member of the VFW Post #9 in Derry. Mr. Christie had been employed as a manager for Avco Corp. He was a devoted family man, and enjoyed building antique muzzleloaders, restoring antique tractors, and loved to attend air shows.
He is survived by two daughters, Patricia Wesoja and Lori Norton both of Derry; two sons, Bryan Christie of Epsom, NH, and Douglas Christie of Derry; eight grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; one sister, Sylvia Spencer of Georgetown, MA; as well as two nieces. He was predeceased by his wife of 34 years, Janet P. (Gilman) Christie in 1989.
Calling hours were held on Wednesday, June 16th from 5 - 8pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A funeral service was held on Thursday at 10:00am in the funeral home, followed by cremation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Animal Rescue League, 62 Brady Ave., Salem, NH 03079-4003.