Walter Gray Cheney, 76, died February 7, with his devoted family by his side. He was a resident of Legacy Heights Memory Care Community in Charlotte, N.C., at the time of his death. He was born February 14, 1939, in Framingham, Mass., and was a son to the late Florence Mabel and Oliver Franklin Cheney.

Mr Cheney and his wife, Sally, lived in Newtown from 1982 to 2005, and raised their family here.

He graduated from Northeastern University in Boston with a degree in business, and served in the US Army in Germany. He enjoyed a successful 35-year career in business, and also did consulting. Mr Cheney was an ardent worker and an honorable man of great integrity who was well respected by his colleagues. At the age of 59, he earned a master's degree in human resource management to enable him to teach at the college level in retirement. Through the years, he was actively involved in business, professional, and community organizations, continuing his education to remain current in his field. Wherever they lived, the Cheneys were members of the Congregational Church.

He is remembered as a good man with a wonderful nature, and was kind to all. He had many interests and talents - a superb gardener, a wonderful photographer, an excellent cook, and a voracious reader. He loved to walk, travel, and spend fun times with his family. He loved helping young people, and volunteered with several youth organizations. His gentle nature and soft-spoken voice endeared him to children. He was very patient, enjoyed teaching children, and always made it fun. Mr Cheney's smile and his big hugs could always make the day for anyone he knew.

His loving wife of 50-plus blessed years, Sally; devoted son and daughter-in-law, David and Sheila Cheney of Summit, N.J.; his loving daughter, Karen Cheney of Shelton; five grandchildren, Oliver, Brian, Kevin, and Stuart Cheney of New Jersey, and Seanna Cheney of Connecticut; his sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and George Burbank; his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Suellen Cheney; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bruce and Joan Coles; and several nieces and nephews survive Mr Cheney.

"Walt is dearly missed by many but he will be in our hearts forever. He was a treasure."

The family thanks all the staff and caregivers at Legacy Heights for their loving care of Mr Cheney, and always bringing a smile to his face. He felt loved and respected each and every day, and maintained his dignity, thanks to so many. The family also thanks Hospice of Charlotte for the amazing care, compassion, and love.

Mr Cheney's family remembered and celebrated him at a private gathering in New Jersey. At a later date, there will be a private family service at the Cheney family gravesite in Hopkinton, Mass., and there will be a bugler and a Scottish piper.

If anyone wishes, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 4600 Park Road, Suite 250, Charlotte NC 28209.

Robertson Funeral and Cremation Service has served the family with kindness and compassion.