Bath , NH – Wallace Atwood Stimson, II, passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2016, in the old Carbee schoolhouse where he'd lived all his life, surrounded by loved ones.

Wally was born on July 1, 1958, to Peter and Rita (Hatley) Stimson. He spent his childhood working the family auction business with his parents and siblings.

As a young man he worked as a mason tender and went on to become a talented stone mason and carpenter. He also worked early on at North Country Farms in Monroe, NH.

He married Deborah (Boutin) Cowell on May 26, 1984. Together they went on to raise five children, all who remain close together in New Hampshire and Vermont.

Wally enjoyed hunting and fishing and never missed a chance to take his kids, grandkids or anyone who had a hankering to go. He was an avid outdoorsman who believed time in the woods was good for the soul and essential to his own happiness. He logged many hours in the woods deer hunting and was never, no matter the outcome, disappointed at the end of the season. He also enjoyed years of rabbit hunting with his loyal beagle, Hank, who has since passed on.

He was a true artist, always creating something beautiful. It might have been a stone he carved to place over someone's mantle; a lovely work of scrimshaw; a rocking horse; a stonewall; or maybe the Old Man of the Mountain that sits at the end of his driveway. He submitted several of his pieces to be judged by a jury of artists and was accepted into the League of NH Craftsmen. The last of his works grace the grounds of the Kingswood Camp in Piermont, NH.

Wally was never one to talk about his talents but he had many. Aside from being a talented builder, he was also very well read and would regularly submit his written opinion to various local newspapers. Wally was an excellent cook as well, much loved by his grandchildren for his pickles, blackberry cobbler and famous, out of this world peanut brittle.

He prided himself in being an independent man, living a simple life as he saw fit. It was this way of thinking that connected him to the natural world and fueled his affinity for gardening and maple sugaring. He always believed in being self–sufficient and able to do a multitude of jobs. He lived the remainder of his life simply, in the comforts of his own home with all those he loved best.

He will be missed and remembered for his quiet nature, artistic ability, willingness to help his neighbors and colorful storytelling.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 32 years, Deborah Stimson of Bath; parents Peter and Rita Stimson of North Haverhill; siblings Anthony "Tony" Stimson & wife Nancy of Lebanon, NH Susan Stimson of Lebanon, NH and Sherry Hoover & husband Guy of North Woodstock, NH; children William Cowell & wife Bethany of Lowell, VT; Joel Cowell & wife Lisa of Monroe, NH; Barbara Bixby & husband Todd of Warren, NH; Michael Stimson & wife Erin of Bath, NH ; and Danielle Hatch & husband Gabe of North Haverhill, NH; grandchildren Ethan, Julian, Isabella, Riley, Eliza, Abram, Owen, Liam, Samuel, James, Krystina and Wallace, III; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, too numerous to count.

In Wally's memory enjoy nature, make art, make memories … live.

A private service will be held by the family in the spring.