AUBURN — According to his obituary, 79-year-old Wellsley “Wesley” Fenderson died Monday doing a job he loved.

Police said the longtime septic company owner was working on a pipe Monday inside a hole 2.5 to 3 feet deep at a home at 791 West Auburn Road. When his wife couldn’t reach Fenderson by cellphone, Lt. Tim Cougle said police went to the address to check on him at 12:45 p.m.

“The officers found him deceased when they arrived,” Cougle said. “We can tell you from our investigation it does not appear to be suspicious.”

Fenderson, of Auburn, was working alone at the time. The work did not involve a tank. The case was forwarded to the Medical Examiner’s Office because it was an unattended death, Cougle said. The cause of death was still pending Wednesday.

Fenderson’s obituary said he’d owned and operated Auburn Sanitary Service for 55 years with his wife, Ann. His grandson Jason will carry on the business. His obituary described him as a man who loved his work, adored his family and had a soft spot for his dog, Benny.