Obituary of Walter Burr Pemberton

Walter Burr Pemberton passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at the age of 93. He and his wife, Dorothy, had moved to Florida in November of 2013. Prior to this move, they had lived in Portville, NY from 1971 to 2013 (42 years). Walt grew up in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. His parents were Walter S. (Emma Burr) Pemberton. He learned many trade skills as a young man including working as a plumber, electrician, auto mechanic, and he even helped build the Sault St Marie Locks that connect shipping to and from Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Walt also served in the Navy as a Seabee during WWII in the South Pacific. Eventually, Walt decided on a career in Trucking. He transported Fords from Michigan to dealerships in many states. Walt met and later married Dorothy L. Oakes in her home state of Wisconsin on October 30, 1955. They were married for 59 years and began their married life in Michigan. After a few years, Walt moved his large family to New York and had a 4 bedroom home built for them in Orchard Park. He became a mason while living there. His love of hunting motivated him to buy 18 acres in Portville, NY where he built a home from the ground up with his own hands and help from his children. There he became an active member of the Portville Conservation Club. After many years of service to the club, they awarded Walt with an honorary "life time membership" because of all he had done to establish and support the club. When he retired from trucking, he learned how to fly. He enjoyed flying, and earned his private pilot's license. Walt will be remembered by his family and friends for his ability to tell interesting stories of his adventures in life. Walt is survived by his wife, Dorothy Pemberton of Venice, FL; 2 sons, Samuel (Joyce) of Eagle Lake, FL and Jeffery (Jamee) of Quakertown, PA; daughter, Martha (David) Grindel of North Port, FL; 2 step-sons, Stanley McKnight of Seward, AK and George (Debbie) McKnight of Canovanas, PR; step-daughter, Annette (James) Schwabel of Hamburg, NY; 3 grandsons, Roger Pemberton of Florida, Andrew S. (Nancy) Travers of California, and Justin Travers of Connecticut; granddaughter, Christina (Gary) Eldridge of Florida; 2 step-grandsons, Ramon (Leah) Smith of Illinois and Walker McKnight of Alaska; step-granddaughter, Robin McKnight of Alaska; 5 great-grandchildren, Kristopher (Angelina) and Donna all of Florida and Andrew E., Cameron and Jessica of California; 2 step-great-grandchildren, Mark and Sierra of California; and one great-great-grandson, Austin of Florida. He was preceded in death by his son, Mark W. Pemberton (Becky) of Oswego, NY. A ceremony will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 10:00AM. All those who want to attend are welcome. Please note that only fresh cut flowers are permitted at the gravesite - no memorial items. Please visit Walt's tribute wall at www.schelmfh.com to share memories and to send condolences to the Pemberton family. Arrangements by Paul Schelm Funeral Home in Lake Suzy. Phone (941) 625-3535.