ARUNDEL — Wilfred M. “Wink” Drown, an institution in Kennebunkport/Arundel’s Townhouse Corner, died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014 at the Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford, following a brief illness.
Wink, a son of Walter B. and Georgiana Petrin Drown, was born Oct. 30, 1926, and attended local schools, leaving Kennebunkport High School to join the service.
Entering the U.S. Army during World War II, Wink served in the Military Police, receiving the Asian/Pacific Campaign Medal and WWII Victory Medal. He returned home in 1948 and started “Wink’s Place” with the help of his wife, Jerry, in the Townhouse area of the ‘Port and Arundel. It was the kind of place that friends and neighbors would gather, catch up and listen to the Red Sox on the AM radio while Wink was packing up their groceries. He operated the store for 30 years until 1978. His marketing slogan was: “All roads lead to Wink’s Place.” And today, they still do lead to Wink’s Place, now the home of Jen Burrows bakery and catering business.
Most recently, Wink operated his own locksmith business, which he ran out of his garage, where he was known for his ability to sit in his lounge chair and wait for business and friends to come to him. His shop was lined with memorabilia and humorous signs, one stating that lock work started at $15, if you watch ”“ $20, if you help ”“ $30, but it would be $50 if you had worked on it first.
Sitting with Wink by the open garage door one day, a visitor to his home remarked that they should wave to the president as he rode by to go to church, and Wink with his dry humor replied, “Nah, he always waves to me first.” Wink served as locksmith to the Bush Compound when President George H. W. Bush ran for and became vice president of the United States.
Wink loved his Red Sox, people, fried clams and dogs. Baseball was a passion, and he served as a Little League coach for many years. He always had time to listen to children and answer their questions. A fond memory for many was riding their bikes to Wink’s and enjoying penny candy and conversation. He was also active at the American Legion Post Number 159, Kennebunkport, serving for many years as treasurer.
Wink was preceded in death by: his grandson, Lyle Gause; and three brothers, Carl, Frank and Elmore.
Survivors include: his wife, Geraldine “Jerry” Drown of Arundel; sister, Celia Dyer of Arundel; stepdaughter, Brenda Waldron and her husband Louie of Citra, Florida; granddaughter, Parrish Torres and her husband Juan of Gainesville, Florida; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of extended family.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, where a celebration of Wink’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday. Interment will be in Arundel Cemetery, Kennebunkport. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. www.bibberfuneral.com.
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