Wilfred Joseph Christian Jr., 90, of Sarasota, passed away in his home on Friday, May 26, 2023.
Wilfred was born in Westbrook, Maine – the only son of Dorothy Marsh Christian and Wilfred Joseph Christian Sr.,
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bertie M. Christian, and older twin sisters, Joann Pratt and Maxine Plowman.
He is survived by his daughter Davina Potter, and step-daughter, Luwanna Davis. Also five grandchildren – Samantha Parrish, Crystilyn Blevens, Lisa Crews, Willie Crews II, and Sara Pasick, several great-grandchildren, and his nephews – Don Pratt and Mark Plowman.
Wilfred enjoyed building, traveling, reading, watching war documentaries, collecting sports cars, swimming, and dogs, and dining at his favorite restaurants with friends or family.
Wilfred was known to his friends as Cris, Buddy, or Wolf, and grew up in Westbrook and North Gorham, Maine – where he learned his hard work ethic since childhood from shining shoes and other various jobs.
As a teenager, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the Korean War as a Gunman’s Mate, after which he was stationed in Greenland before returning to Maine. He received several recognitions for his service that will always be greatly appreciated.
Self-employed as an Independent Building Contractor, his structures throughout Southern Maine were unique in style and materials – such as flagstone floors and redwood walls – like those he used in several of the personal rental units on his properties along the Presumpscot River. He took great pride in the beauty of the rentals and tended to all of the repairs and groundskeeping himself.
Cris and Bertie were licensed antique dealers who owned and ran Ye Olde Antiques, their little antique shop located on the properties in the warmer months of the year. They would constantly research the beautiful, rare items that they procured to fill the little shop showcases. Every case reflected the care they put into restoring and displaying the items. It was a job and a hobby they shared and enjoyed. The family resided at the properties in North Gorham until Wilfred retired in 1985, and they then moved to the mountains of Western NC. After extensive traveling around the U.S. with his wife for 5 years, they permanently moved to the West Coast of Florida.
Wilfred was a caring, lifelong friend to many people, and he remembered every one in his stories and daily discussions always – right up until he left us.
He requested to be cremated, and family will be preparing a Celebration of Life in upcoming weeks.
Wilfred proudly supported St. Judes Children Hospital, and if you would like to make a donation in remembrance, please do.
