Walter N. Dewitt

Walter N. "Rink" DeWitt (75), passed away peacefully on September 1, after a seven-year battle with Multiple Myeloma. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years Dorothy Collins DeWitt, their children Walter A. "Terry" DeWitt of Harvard, MA; William C. DeWitt of Barrington, RI; Kathryn DeWitt Nelson of Wolfeboro, NH and Cynthia H. DeWitt of Sarasota, FL; seven grandchildren and his sister, Nancy DeWitt Vittum of Tuftonboro, NH. He was predeceased by his older sister Joanne DeWitt Knight of Longmeadow, MA.

His endless energy, enduring optimism, and sharp business acumen enabled Rink to have a significant and positive impact on his family, the business community and many not-for-profit organizations. A magnet for family activity, the immediate and extended family was always drawn to Rink and his joy of multi-generational discussions of the day; and his home was always the center of family events.

The son of Walter Allen DeWitt and Helena Chittenden DeWitt, he was born in Arlington, MA. Rink was a longtime resident of New Hampshire first living in Ossipee and then on his uncle's farm in Washington. He later settled in Melvin Village when he attended and graduated from Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, NH. After graduating from Dartmouth College, Rink served in the Air Force both in the United States in Florida and Texas, and in England as part of a joint mission with the Royal Air Force in Driffield. Upon returning to the United States, he attended the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College where he received a Masters in Business Administration. After joining The Manchester Savings Bank as a management trainee, he rose to the position of President/Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of what became The Bank and ultimately BankEast Corporation.

An outspoken advocate for business, he served on over 20 corporate and business association boards of directors, including: President of the New Hampshire Bankers' Association, the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire, The New England Council and chairman of the Board of Trustees of Brewster Academy; and played an active role in the development of Waterville Valley and Eastman.
After BankEast, Rink worked for The Manchester Group in Boston, MA, before starting his own outplacement and executive coaching firm, Executive Options, in Wellesley, MA.
Rink returned to the Lakes Region full-time in 1988 when he and Dotty acquired Sheridan Gardens in Moultonborough. In his retirement, Rink continued to stay active, serving on the Sandwich Fair Association board of directors and leading the capital campaign for The Barnstormers theatre.

Rink sought great adventure in his recreational time as well. As a private pilot, he earned his instrument and commercial ratings and enjoyed flying his Beechcraft Bonanza around NH and across America. An avid skier, golfer and outdoorsman, Rink spent countless hours enjoying New Hampshire's lakes and mountains, climbing all 48 4,000 foot peaks in New Hampshire three-times, most after he turned 60. He also enjoyed their winter home in Venice, FL and the beauty of Siesta Key and the Florida Gulf Coast.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Barnstormers in Tamworth, NH or the Moultonborough Food Bank.