George H.W. Bush remembered in Kennebunkport as a local at heart
Bush had referred to Walker's Point as his 'anchor to windward'
Bush had referred to Walker's Point as his 'anchor to windward'
Bush had referred to Walker's Point as his 'anchor to windward'
As the nation pays its respects to former President George H.W. Bush this week at the U.S. Capitol, residents and visitors to Kennebunkport, Maine, are remembering the first family as neighbors and friends.
A growing memorial at Walker’s Point has a very personal tone for people who knew the Bushes as gracious neighbors.
Although the area appeared quiet and empty Monday night, people said they just wanted to come and feel a connection with the former president.
"We're flying home today, so the one thing I said we have to (do is) drive by Walker's Point and pay our respects," said Linda Fitzgerald, of Orlando, Florida.
Bush, who died Friday in Houston at the age of 94, visited Walker’s Point every summer of his life, except 1944, when as a naval aviator, he was shot down over the Pacific.
The history of the Bush family in Kennebunkport goes back nearly a century -- long before Walker's Point.
As a young boy, Bush would visit family at the Nonantum Resort.
He returned through the years, gathering with family and friends in Kennebunkport, referring to the community as his “anchor to windward.”
“Many times when President Bush would see a bride on the lawn getting married, he would stop his boat, run up the dock and give the bride a kiss, which was always an amazing, amazing thing to have happen,” said Jean Ginn Marvin, of the Nonantum Resort.
Bush also invited world leaders and heads of state to the Bush family's summer compound, but folks in Kennebunkport are reflecting on Bush as a man who remained a local at heart.
>> Washington to pay respects, bid farewell to George H.W. Bush
In town, people gathered at TVs to watch the president's casket travel from Texas to Washington.
"He is an extraordinary man and lived an extraordinary life, but aside from politics, he was our neighbor," said Luanne MacDonald, of Hurricane Restaurant.
"You would see him at the pharmacy or one of the markets and you could walk up and talk to him. It was fun," said Adam Padget, of Alisson's Restaurant.
“He was a great guy. He was funny and kind and thoughtful and generous and giving,” said Helen Thorgalsen, of H.B. Provisions.
Photos of Bush and his late wife, Barbara, hang on the wall at H.B. Provisions. The owners met the couple in 2002, one week after they opened their general store.
Thorgalsen said that despite having to travel by motorcade, Bush often dropped in for coffee and a doughnut.
“He always wanted to know the gossip,” Thorgalsen said.
Thorgalsen said Bush seemed to genuinely enjoy meeting locals and knew many of their names.
Bush often invited Thorgalsen and her wife Bonnie Clement for a boat ride, welcoming them when they made deliveries to Walker's Point.
He and Barbara not only attended her wedding, but Thorgalsen said they gladly and graciously witnessed her marriage license.
“It wasn't political. It was about friends and just wanting to participate in our day,” Thorgalsen said. "And you know, the whole Cold War thing was about relationships with people and that’s one of his legacies, I think, is having relationships with people and taking the time to have relationships and get to know people.”
Thorgalsen and others in Kennebunkport called Bush’s death the end of an era on so many levels.
“Just the sadness, but as well some peace, that he and Barbara are together again and they're with Robin,” Thorgalsen said.