William (Wink) N. Wall of Buckland, MA, departed this life while at home surrounded by the love of his family on August 10, 2022, after a valiant fight against prostate cancer. Wink had just celebrated his 75th birthday with close family and friends, outdoors at his pavilion, in what became known within the family as “Poppy’s Palace,” amongst all the fruit trees that he planted as well as the nature and wildlife that he so loved.
Wink was born in Greenfield, MA, son to the late Gerald R. Wall and Beverly J. (Ward) Wall. He graduated from Greenfield Vocational School – Automotive Dept., and following his graduation enlisted in the United States Army at the height of the war in Vietnam.
Wink attended basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, and was then trained as a Heavy Equipment Operator at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He proudly – and, in his words “without apology,” served three tours of duty in Vietnam. Wink first served as a combat engineer in the 25th Infantry Division in Cu Chi, South Vietnam, famous for the Cu Chi tunnels dug by the North Vietnamese Army. He was then assigned to I Corps, the northern most province of South Vietnam, directly on the border with the enemy north, working in the ammunition dump in Tay Ninh, often receiving enemy mortar and rocket fire.
Following his Honorable Discharge in 1970, Wink went to work for the Boston & Maine Railroad for 23 years, retiring as a Track Foreman.
Wink was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed being in the woods at any time for any reason. He loved deer hunting – especially with “the boys” in Harmony, ME and Stony Creek, NY; the many annual family gatherings – but particularly the 4th of July; fishing; birdwatching; playing cribbage – and was lucky enough to have two 29 hands; trips to Foxwoods Casino with his wife; time spent at Gould’s Sugar House making maple syrup; beekeeping; gardening; playing horseshoes; softball; being on his tractor; and his New England Sports teams – which he followed avidly.
Left to forever cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 49 years and best friend, Denise (Guthrie) Wall; son, Michael of Buckland, MA; daughters, Maureen Rose of Feeding Hills, MA; and Donna Bowers (Max) of Hudson, FL; seven grandchildren: Brandon Choiniere, Zachary Gorham, Bryce Rose, Aiden Wall, Aubrey Klerowski, Emma Bowers and Lawton Bowers; brothers: Kenneth (Sarah), Keith (Jennifer), Thomas (Kathy), and Glenn (Laura); sister Vicky (William) Amstein; sisters-in-law: Sharon Higdon, Helen O’Gorman-Fox, and Frances Vishaway. He leaves behind several nieces and nephews. Wink will also be dearly missed by many very close friends, to include his fellow sportsmen at the Western Mass Rod & Gun Club.
At Wink’s request, services and burial are private, and are under the direction of Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls, MA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Buckland Public Library (BucklandPublicLibrary.org); or to Mary Lyon Church (MaryLyonChurch.org) in his name.
The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice, with an especially big hug to Christina Koes for her tremendous compassion, loving care, and support shown to Wink and his family during his final days.
We express our utmost gratitude to the Veterans Affairs in Leeds, MA and Greenfield, MA for their unwavering support, and ensuring that Bill received the absolute best care possible.
A special thank you to the Franklin County Sheriff’s TRIAD Team too for such a wonderful medical equipment program, delivered swiftly – and by the kindest staff.
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