Erwin Wales, 75, a widely known Buxton philanthropist, died Wednesday at his home on Long Plains Road.

Wales was a founder and board member of the Narragansett Number One Foundation, which provided numerous grants for community projects in recent years. Wales used a lottery windfall to benefit his town. The American Journal reported on Aug. 29, 2001, that Wales and his wife, Patricia Wales, had been winners of a $41.1 million Powerball jackpot.

Wales’ close friend Richard “Sandy” Atkinson of Buxton said Wales was an annual volunteer to help clean up and mow the South Buxton Cemetery. Wales also served on the planning committee for Buxton’s community day. “He always had a smile and a joke,” Atkinson recalled. “We’ll have these cherished memories forever,” he said.

Wales enjoyed auto racing and collecting antique cars. He served on the board of directors at Beech Ridge Speedway in Scarborough.

A veteran of the Korean War, Wales attended the recent dedication of the war memorial in Groveville. He was one of the donors, who made the monument possible. “I’m glad he was able to see it,” said Dan Collomy, chairman of Buxton’s selectmen.

Collomy said Wales’ foundation provided thermal imaging cameras for the fire department.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Bar Mills Community Church. Burial will follow at South Buxton (Tory Hill) Cemetery.

Rev. Dan Carr will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Narragansett #1 Foundation, P.O. Box 779, Bar Mills, Maine, 04004. Proceeds will then be forwarded Wale’s favorite charities and organizations.

Buxton benefactor Erwin Wales dies at 75