Maine's Technology Community will miss Vance Wheelock

I am sorry to report that Vance Wheelock died unexpectedly on November 23, 2008. Vance was a leading volunteer for Maine’s technology sector; devoting considerable time to help others understand and use new technologies. Vance founded the first Linux User Group in Maine and created the Southern Maine Linux Users Group. He also helped TechMaine create the Network and System Admin and Open Source Solution User Groups.

Vance was a terrific supporter of Maine’s tech-community. I know I will miss the passion that Vance had for his work, his ideas and especially his values. Our community will miss Vance.

AUGUSTA -- Vance Mitton Wheelock II, 36, born July 8, 1972, in Augusta, died unexpectedly Nov. 23, 2008, at his home in Portland.

Vance was born and raised in Augusta. The family moved to Winthrop, where he graduated with honors from Winthrop High School in 1990. Vance played varsity football, baseball and downhill and cross-country skiing, and was an active alumnus. Vance attended Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y., and graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington with a degree in computer science and mathematics.

Vance was employed by USA Telephone as the chief information officer. He was a consultant for Bioanalyte and he freelanced as a Web designer and was the family computer "help desk." Vance co-founded the Maine Linux User Group and founded MESDA-sponsored Southern Maine Linux Users Group. He was a passionate Republican who served as the treasurer for the Portland Republican Party. Recently, he attended the National Republican Convention as an alternate delegate.

Vance was an outdoorsman who enjoyed kayaking, hiking, skiing, fishing and hunting. He captured these moments through video and photography. One of his greatest joys was being an uncle. He loved spending time with his nephew, Casey, whom he took on many adventures. He was excited about his newest nephew, Thaddeus, documenting his arrival and looked forward to sharing his life with him.

He was a kind, loving son and brother and was our unsung hero. He is survived by his mother, Bobbi, and father, Vance, of Winthrop; his sister, Heather W. Hyatt; brother-in-law Thaddeus K. and nephew Thaddeus W., of Pownal; his sister, Amy Berger; brother-in-law, Kurt, and nephew Casey; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Donations can be made to the Vance Mitton Wheelock II Scholarship Fund in care of Winthrop Area Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 55, Winthrop, ME 04364.