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- Christian A. Westwig, 89, died at Mid Coast hospital on July 21, 2010 after a recent illness.
Chris was born in Husby, Norway, a small town on an island off the northern coast, on January 25, 1921, the son of Karethe (Hille) and Rudolph Westwig. The family imigrated to America when Chris was only two years old, and lived in Portland, where relatives from Norway had settled. They later bought a home in South Portland, where Chris attended school, graduating from South Portland High School.
Chris tried to enlist in the service at the beginning of World War II, but was rejected because of a heart murmur. He did his part by working at the shipyard in South Portland, where Liberty ships were being built for the war. He learned welding and other skills as needed.
After the war, Chris went to work at Pratt Whitney in Hartford, Connecticut, working as a quality control inspector. He worked there for thirty-five years before retiring and returning to South Portland.
Chris was an avid reader and was knowledgeable about current events, politics and his favorite sports. He was a loyal Red Sox and Bruins fan, loved tennis and was always ready for a good discussion. He was a staunch Democrat and wrote to his Congressmen and Representatives, and wrote letters to the papers at times.
He will be remembered for his generosity, not only to his parents and sisters, but to other family members as well. Also, we'll remember that sharp wit, the easy joking and the quick comeback, still with him at the end of his life.
Chris was predeceased by his sister Wally Westwig. He is survived by his sister Nathalie Caton of Brunswick; nephew Stan Caton (Nancy) of West Bath; niece Carolyn Deschaine (Richard) of Westport Island; niece Julie Maranan of Portland; cousins Ralph Westwig (Erna) of Corning, NY; Hal Westwig (Jan) of South Portland; Evelyn Leighton of Scarborough; Helen Wallace (Bob) of Virginia Beach, VA;
five great nieces and nephews and five great great nieces and nephews and many relatives living in Norway.
He was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Portland.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, July 26 at 1 p.m. at Pine Grove Cemetery, Falmouth.
Arrangements under the guidance of Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland
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