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Franklin-----Wilfred Wright Wanless, 96, of 24 Peabody Place, died at the Peabody Home, Franklin, NH on Monday, December 20, 2004.
Mr. Wanless was born January 15, 1908 in Hoten Lee Spring, Northumberland, UK, the son of George A. and Isabella (Rey) Wanless. He spent twelve years in the British Calvary, six years in the Colors and six years in the reserves. Three of those years were spent in India, now part of Pakistan, on the Khyber Pass bordering Afghanistan. According to Mr. Wanless, things were much the same in the early 1920's as they are today, and in his estimation, would not likely ever change. He spent twelve years driving London buses and was responsible for transporting soldiers to the coastal areas during the Blitz. He recalled a near miss when a bomb dropped several yards in front of his busload of troops. He and his family were bombed out of two houses in London and, only because of his precautions in putting up shelters inside and out, did they all survive both strikes.
Mr. Wanless and his family immigrated to the USA in December, 1952, and in 1957 they all became citizens. He retired at age 67 as a machinist/tool and die-maker from the Long Island Railroad. He had always loved this country, saying, "It is the best country in the world".
Mr. Wanless is survived by a daughter, Peggy Burns; five grandchildren, Alan Hagemeyer, Paul Avignone, Jr., Carolyn Hagemeyer, Denise Kersey, Maureen Casey and nine great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen (Burns) Wanless, June 6, 2001 and by a daughter, Beryl (Wanless) Hagemeyer, Sept. 15, 2003.
There will be no calling hours or funeral service. Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is in charge of the arrangements.
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