BILL STAPLES

WATERVILLE – Bill Staples, 86, passed away on March 19, 2022, following a short battle with COVID-19. Bill was born on March 3, 1936, in Staten Island, New York, and spent most of his formative years in Rockland.

Bill was a man of faith, belonging to Getchell St, Baptist Church, in Waterville, and was a veteran of the United States Army, Specialist 4.

He worked as a commercial fisherman, cook, truck driver, among other things, and retired as a longstanding employee of Shaw’s Supermarket, in Waterville. One of his favorite jobs was as a school bus driver because he always adored children; he was a big kid, himself.

Bill was known for his sense of humor and frequent corny jokes. He loved country music and John Wayne western movies, and an avid coin collector.

He was predeceased by his wife of 30 years, Jaye Libby, just four months ago and by his first wife, Evelyn Staples, many years ago; daughter, Peggy Guilford; young grandson, Timothy Shorey; his sisters Margaret and Kathleen; son-in-law, Greg Davis.

Bill is survived by his children Gail Staples, Maryann Davis, and Bill Staples Jr.; sister, Barb O’Connor; stepchildren Lynn, Lee, and Susan Warner; and many grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Falls Cemetery, in Benton, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s honor can be made to the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter.

SUZANNE M. CULVER

WATERVILLE – Suzanne Marie (Russell) Culver, 87, passed away Saturdaym March 26, 2022, in Waterville. She was born February13, 1935, in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of Eldon and Lenora (Bengal) Russell.

She married Dr. Raymond E. Culver, in Lansing, Michigan, and they were married for 27 years.

She attended high school in Jackson, Michigan, and studied classical ballet in her youth. Suzanne graduated from Simmons College, in Boston, with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and later served as the president of the Simmons alumni association and the Simmons Club of Boston. Following a successful professional career in human resources for Mass General/Brigham Partners, in Boston, and with the Boston Ballet, Suzanne later found joy and friendship as a docent for the Colby College Museum of Art, in Waterville; a core member of Team PK, the steering committee for the popular PechaKucha Waterville; and as an active volunteer with Waterville Main Street, the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, and the Waterville Opera House.

She is survived by her sons, Jonathon G. Culver and significant other Tanya Moore, of Norridgewock, and Christopher R. Culver and wife Catherine, of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina; grandchildren, Isabel Culver, Guy Culver and Charley Culver, McLean Culver, Saxon Culver; sister Linda Getz and husband Steven, of Greenwich, Connecticut; niece Hillary (Getz) Sturman and husband Peter Sturman, of Natick, Massachusetts; and nephew Jared Getz and wife Paige Getz, of Fairfield, Connecticut.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Suzanne’s name to the Waterville Public Library or the Colby College Museum of Art.

PAMELA COUTURE

WATERVILLE – Pamela Couture, 71, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 1, 2022, following a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Pamela was born to George E. Burns and Clara (Mills) Burns on January 5, 1951, in Fairfield.

She graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and earned a business degree from Thomas College, in Waterville. Pamela married her childhood sweetheart, Raymond Couture, on December 5, 1968. They would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary this year.

Pamela started her career in accounting, working at local businesses in Fairfield. She then joined Central Maine Power Company’s office, in Augusta, where she was an administrator and supervisor until her retirement in 2013.

Pamela was an amazing woman who had a free spirit and lived life with no regrets. Her beloved husband, Ray, always called her his princess. He regarded her as a beautiful princess because she used “her voice for kindness, her ears for compassion, her hands for giving, her mind for truth, and her heart for loving all her family and friends.”

Pamela loved her family and spending time with her sisters. She enjoyed playing cards and getting together for the family’s annual cribbage tournaments. She loved to travel with her husband on weekends, especially to all the coastal Maine flea markets. Antiques, good books, and unique puzzles were her favorite finds.

Pamela was predeceased by her parents George Burns and Clara Burns; her brother, Rodney Burns, her sisters Robin Burns, Linda Bartlett, and Bonnie Giroux; and her grandparents.

Pamela is survived by her husband, Raymond Couture, of Waterville; her sons Daniel Couture (Melissa) and Casey Couture (Bernadette); grandsons Coby Couture (Misty) and Seth Couture; and great-grandson, Johnny Couture; her sisters Clara Nickerson, of Benton, and Wendy St. Amand, of Skowhegan; her brother-in-law, Donald Couture (Barbara); her sisters-in-law Cathy Simpson and Cheryl Rood (Duane); and many nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held later in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research at BrightFocus.org.

JONATHAN G. TALBOT

WATERVILLE – Jonathan Gedeon Talbot, 41, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at Maine­General Medical Center, Augusta. Jonathan was the son of Cindy and Mike Talbot, of Waterville.

Jonathan was born on a cold, December day in 1980, but brought much warmth to the lives of everyone he met. If you were Jonathan’s friend, it was a friendship for life, some going back to Holy Childhood nursery school.

Jonathan was a graduate of Waterville Senior High School as well as the University of Southern Maine.

Jonathan was a 15-year team member of the T-Mobile Oakland facility. He was a successful team manager, being awarded #1 ranking in his position nationally on a number of occasions. He was loved and respected by his T-Mobile family.

Jonathan married Brooke A. McGowan on October 15, 2016. They met at T-Mobile and were an inseparable couple. They did everything together; they loved to travel, see athletic events, concerts, and be with family and friends. If it was a sunny day, you could always find Jonathan and Brooke in and around Cindy and Mike’s pool. Sadly, Brooke passed away on March 7, 2022, and Jonathan passed away with a broken heart for Brooke.

Jonathan will be remembered for his quick wit, his kindness, his sympathy for everyone, and his willingness to help his fellow T-Mobile family members improve themselves, and he will be remembered for just being himself.

Jonathan is survived by his parents Cindy and Mike Talbot; as well as his aunts, uncles; and cousins; and by his in-laws Matt and Julie McGowan; his mother-in-law, Eileen Wright; brother, Luke and wife Ann McGowan, their children Colby, Durham, and Ellie.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m., on Saturday, May 21, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

Donation in Jonathan’s honor can be made to Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901, or to a charity of your choice.

BETTY L. SNYDER

WATERVILLE – Betty L. Snyder, 80, passed away Sunday, April 3, 2022, following a short illness. She was born February 11, 1942, in West Point, New York, to John and Florence Gilbert.

She was preceeded in death by her parents, husband Kenneth Snyder, sisters Carol Maybin (New Jersey), Connie Wagner (New Jersey), daughter Carol Ann Jewett (Maine).

She is survived by her significant other, McCoy Porter, of Waterville; daughters Kimberly Sterrs (Larry), and Karen Snyder; son Kenneth Snyder Jr.; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 7, at 2 p.m., at Center Point Church, 155 West River Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

ELEANOR F. GODFREY

OAKLAND – Eleanor F. (Packard) Godfrey, 85, of Oakland, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, on April 4, 2022. She was born November 22, 1936, in Lewiston, the daughter of Vernal S. and Gladys A. (Bernard) Packard.

Eleanor attended school in Litchfield.

Eleanor enjoyed cross stitching, reading, the symphony and spending time with her girls. She ran a successful seafood business with her husband for many years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, in Winthrop.

She was predeceased by her husband, Elwin Godfrey, after 59 years of marriage; her son, Mark Godfrey, of Randolph, and her son-in-law, Richard Rourke, of Readfield.

She is survived by her daughters Patty Rourke, of Readfield, Elizabeth Godfrey, of Oakland, Monica and her husband Charlie Gorman, of Oakland, and Amy and her husband Mike Bryant, of Windham; her daughter-in-law, Kathy Godfrey, of Randolph; and sisters-in-law, Joann Deming, of California, Kathy Packard, of Minnesota, and Nancy Godfrey, of Waterville; 13 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Activity Fund at The Country Village Assisted Living, P.O. Box 600, Casco, ME 04095.

MARION S. CASEY

CHINA – Marion S. Casey, 86, of China, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022. She was born January 6, 1936, in Vassalboro, to Millard and Oma (Segley) Studley.

After graduating from Cony High School, in Augusta, she married Neal W. Peaslee on June 16, 1956. They raised four children, were actively involved in their community and with extended family. Neal predeceased her in September of 1986.

Marion went to work at Downeys Insurance Agency with her sister-in-law, Maryellen Peaslee, who also taught her to drive. Later, she went to work at Windsor School as a substitute teacher, then as the school receptionist. Marion also worked at Hodgkins Middle School until her first husband Neal, died. She then went to work at Maine Motor Transportation where she remained until retiring.

Marion was a faithful member of the North Windsor Baptist Church. She enjoyed being in the choir, teaching Vacation Bible School and Sunday School classes for a variety of ages and belonged to the Women’s Missionary Club. She also served as a deaconess for her savior and church.

Marion met her second husband, Wilbur “Owen” Casey at the North Windsor Baptist Church, where they were both attending services. They married on August 31, 1991, and shared a long and happy marriage. Owen predeceased her in November 2021.

Marion was predeceased by her sister, Patricia Dudley Morang, and brother, Stuart Studley.

Marion had four children, Sarah McCalla, her husband David, who is deceased, Randy Peaslee, his wife Sherry, Rebecca Hurley and Carol Peaslee, who is deceased.

Her grandchildren are Hannah McCune, her husband Steven, William McCalla, Ryan and Kevin Peaslee, Ethan Hurley, his wife Brooke, Neal and Jared Hurley, Derek Peaslee and Devin Violette; her great-grandchildren Natalie, Evelyn and Madelyn McCune and Logan McCune, who is deceased, Hunter and Anabella Peaslee, Leo and Odette Peaslee and Lilyonna Hurley.

She was fortunate to love and be loved by Owen Casey’s family as her own. To include his many sons, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and cousins to call her own from both her marriages.

Services will be held at North Windsor Baptist Church on Saturday, April 23, at 11 a.m. There will be a gathering after the service in the basement of the church. A committal service will be held at Dyer Cemetery, in Windsor, in June, date to be announced.

Memories and condolences may be shared to the family at directcremationofmaine.com.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to North Windsor Baptist Church, in Marion’s memory.

STEVE J. GAGNE

WATERVILLE – Steve J. Gagne, 54, of Waterville, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at his home. Steve was the son of Fernand Gagne and Fernande Gagne. He graduated Winslow High School where he played basketball for the Raiders. Steve spent the majority of his career at SAPPI, in Hinckley, on the paper machines where he made a lot of great friends over the past 30 years.

Steve met his future wife Terri at a karate tournament. After watching her win her division, he decided to introduce himself. They spent a year getting to know each other, and knew they were soulmates. Steve and Terri married in 1992. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed two children into their lives, Christopher in 1992 and Ashleigh in 1994. Steve was a devoted, caring, and loving husband, and father.

Steve loved the outdoors. He would take long walks with the family dog, often times being gone for hours at a time. Steve enjoyed spending time on a snowmobile or motorcycle depending on the season. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. Summer months were filled with beach trips while winter months were filled with skiing or snowmobiling trips. Steve endured cold hunting seasons to spend time with his son, Chris. He shared his passion for basketball with his daughter, Ashleigh. Most importantly, Steve loved spending time with his two grandchildren, Nora and Deacon.

Steve is survived by his wife of 30 years, Terri Gagne; a son Christopher Gagne; a daughter and son-in-law Ashleigh and Isaac Wacome and their children, Nora and Deacon; sisters and brothers-in-law, Gayle and David Giroux, Cindy Gagne, Janet and Greg Gilchrist, Linda Gagne, Tom Clifford; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Celebration of Life was held at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow, on Tuesday, April 19.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

CLARENCE WHITMAN

WINSLOW – Clarence Whitman, 75, of Winslow, passed away Thursday April 7, 2022. He was born December 13, 1946, to Llewellyn Ellis Whitman and Robecca Collier, of Oakland.

He worked at Ralston-Purina chicken factory and later Maine Cascade Ironworks, although there wasn’t anything he put his hands on that he couldn’t fix.

Clarence had a love for anything with an engine. He was best known as the #54 Plumb Crazy racecar at Unity Raceway but raced several tracks throughout the years. Equal to racing he had a love and passion for riding and working on motorcycles. Clarence and his wife Dot made years of memories riding together and taking trips on their Harley with family and friends. Clarence will always be remembered for his willingness to help a friend, stranger or neighbor in need.

Clarence was predeceased by his parents Llewellyn Whitman and Robecca Taylor; brother, Llewellyn Whitman; and nephew, Gary Bucknam.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dorothy Dunham Whitman; daughter, Victoria and husband Tim Davis and his grandchildren Timothy, Mark, Crystal and Gavin and his great-granddaughter Mikayla Coombs; son, Travis Whitman and wife Hiroko and his grandchildren Daniel and Nathaniel; son, Richard Whitman and wife Brenda and his grandchildren PJ, Jessica, Emily and Ty; son, Dennis Whitman and his granddaughter Emma; daughter, Keisha Whitman and fiancé Scott and his grandchildren Danica and Charles; son, Joshua Whitman and wife Jessica and his grandchildren Jasmine and Jaxon; daughter, Sara and husband Dustin Taylor and his grandchildren Wyatt and Sofia; daughter, Natasha and her husband Jacob Solomon and his grandchildren Noah and Patrick; daughter, Samantha-Jo Whitman and grandson Jasper. his sister, Bonnie and husband Ronald Bucknam; brothers, Robert Whitman and wife Elizabeth, and Michael Taylor and partner Dawn.

A celebration of life will be announced and held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pine Tree Camp, 114 Pine Tree Camp Rd., Rome, ME 04963.

WILMA T. CAREY

WINSLOW – Wilma T. (Quirion) Carey, 95, passed away Friday, April 8, 2022. She was born April 5, 1927, in Winslow, the daughter of Josephat and Mathilda (Ferland) Quirion.

She was educated in Winslow and Jackman, graduating from the Presentation of Mary Academy, in Coaticook, Québec. On May 29, 1948, she married her first husband, Lionel Duquette, and they had two children together. Later, she married the late Lloyd Carey and they owned and operated the Hotel Arnold, in Augusta, for many years.

Wilma was an avid attendee at area auctions where she met many people whom she considered family. In the summers, she loved having garage sales. Nothing made her day happier than engaging in French conversation and playing cards. She was known by one and all as an extremely caring and nurturing lady and she exemplified the person who would “give you the shirt off her back.”

She was predeceased by her parents; husband Lloyd Carey; siblings Joan Young, Laurette Quirion, Norman Quirion, and Donald Quirion; son-in-law Bruce Pomerleau and granddaughter Holly Benson.

Wilma is survived by her partner, Francis Whittier, of Winslow; daughter, Sheila Lord and husband Roy, of Belgrade; son Daniel Duquette and wife Elizabeth, of Tucson, Arizona; grandchildren, Bridget Wing and husband Randy, of St. Albans, Cathy Dumont, of Fairfield, Kimberly Whitley and husband Paul, of Gardiner, Shelly Pomerleau, of Orlando, Florida, Alex Duquette and wife Setareh, of Tucson, Arizona, Benjamin Duquette, of Phoenix, Arizona; great-grandchildren, Jed Crommett and wife Mariah, of Winslow, Jordan Dumont and partner Shylanda Price, Erica Dumont, Kasandra Dumont, all of Fairfield, Brooke Wing and fiancé Jacob Crocker, of Dover-Foxcroft; great-granddaughter, Ella Duquette of Tucson, Arizona; great-great-granddaughter Aubrey Crommett, of Winslow; ex-husband and friend Lionel Duquette; cousins, Belinda Gorneau and sons, Derick, Tony, and AJ, all of Winslow; many nieces, nephews, cousins.

At her request, there will be no visitation hours. A service will be held at 11 a.m., on May 2, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Wilma’s memory to Charley’s Strays, in Clinton, Maine.

AIME M. LEMIEUX

WATERVILLE – Aime M. Lemieux, 80, of Waterville died peacefully on Friday, April 8, 2022, at Lakewood Continuing Long Care Center, in Waterville. He was born in Ham-Nord, Québec, Canada, on September 10, 1941, the son of Wilfrid and Philomene Dodier.

Aime moved to the Waterville area in the early 1960s and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving four years during the Vietnam War.

Aime worked for Keyes Fibre Co. and later Huhtamaki, in Waterville, retiring after over 30 years. Both he and his late wife were communicants of St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow.

He is predeceased, by his wife, Micheline; his brothers and a sister.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on April 20, at St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow. Burial followed in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Northern Light Home Care and Hospice, ATTN: Philanthropy Department, 50 Foden Rd., South Portland, ME 04106.

ALFRED VEILLEUX

WATERVILLE – Alfred “Al” Veilleux, 81, passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at the Androscoggin Hospice House, in Auburn. Al was born on September 5, 1940, in Vassalboro. He graduated from Waterville High School in 1960 where he was best known for his cross country running. He won the state championship for the State of Maine.

Al married his lifelong partner and love, Mary Ann Leadbetter who survives him as well as his son, Paul. He worked as the mail room foreman for the Waterville Morning Sentinel, in Waterville, and the Augusta locations for 45 years. He was best known for his big heart and generosity to all his mailroom crew.

Al was devoted not only to his wife, Mary Ann, but also his best buddy and son, Paul. Al bought Paul his first set of golf clubs at the tender age of 5. They were known as best buddies and good partners through the years and were often seen on some golf course, somewhere in Maine.

He developed a passion for music and collected over 2,200 records which he enjoyed on his private jukebox from the 1950s. Al could always be found in his basement playing cribbage and pool with his friends while listening to his favorite songs.

No services will be held for Al at this time.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

GENE M. WEST

CHELSEA – Gene M. West, 96, of Chelsea, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Gene was born in Saco on January 23, 1926, and was a graduate of Thornton Academy, in Saco, and Nasson College, in Springvale.

Gene was predeceased by her mother Ruth West, father George West and her brothers Ralph, George, Neal and her sister, Margaret (Peggy).

Gene is survived by her many nieces and nephews and their families.

Gene and her mother “Mimi” lived on what became known as Raspberry Hill Farm where she originally planted 24 raspberry bushes that grew over time and produced up to 500 pints of berries each year. After graduating college, Gene went on to be the Director of School Nutrition Programs State Department Of Education and Cultural Services for the State of Maine and was very proud of her tenure there.

Gene’s life was dedicated to her faith in Jesus. This is best expressed in the book she authored, Where Did I Come From?

There are no public visiting hours scheduled. A funeral service was held on Saturday April 16, 2022, at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta.

Burial will be at a later date in Dunstan Cemetery, Scarborough.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

RITA L.REDIKER

CLINTON – Rita L. Rediker, 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at Lakewood Continuing Care, in Waterville. Rita was born on June 26, 1935, in Waterville, one of 11 children of the late Fortunat and Julia Poulin.

Rita attended Saint Francis de Sales Catholic School, in Waterville, until moving to Clinton in fifth grade. She left Clinton High School at the age of 15 to help support her mother and siblings. Rita spent 43 years working at the Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, always paying attention to even the smallest detail.

In 1955, she reunited with her childhood friend, Archie “Bob” Rediker and they married a year later. Together they built a life in Clinton and in 1964 built their dream home, which they have never left to this day. She was meticulous in keeping up her homes in Maine and Florida, always making sure they were welcome and ready. She opened her home to many family members for a quick meal or to stay for a time, always making sure that family never went without.

In 1970 they were graced with their only child, Jeffrey. Rita enjoyed spending time at their lake cottage on Unity Pond, as well as her winter home in Zephyrhills, Florida. Rita and Bob turned into social butterflies during their retirement years and met many lifelong friends in the process. People saw them daily walking hand in hand and they were known as the “lovebirds.” Rita and Bob were blessed with 65 years of marriage and she was loved by all that knew her.

In addition to her husband Bob, she is survived by her son, Jeffrey and his husband Michael Hollander, of Clinton; her sister Elaine Gurney; her sisters-in-law Ellen Moody, Beryl Nutt, Barbara Poulin, Betty Poulin; and brother-in-law, Roy Gross. In addition; numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

In the last few months Rita had lost two brothers, Walter Poulin and Roland “Gus” Poulin. Rita was predeceased by her siblings Wallace Poulin, Evelyn Myshrall, Jeannette Gross, Norman Poulin, Fernand Poulin, Richard Poulin and Olivette Zieminski.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10 a.m., on Friday, April 22, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., in Waterville. Burial will be in the late spring.

Arrangements are under the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, ME 04937.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in memory of Rita Rediker, to the Maine Children’s Home, 93 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901

RICHARD P. PLOURD

WATERVILLE – Richard P. Plourd, 90, of Waterville, and formally of West Hartford, Connecticut, died Wednesday, April 13, 2022. He was born October 6, 1931, in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of Filias Plourd and Emily (Allaire) Plourd.

He graduated from Hartford Public High School in 1949. From a young age, Richard had a passion for automobiles. He raced stock cars at Plainville Motor Speedway and enjoyed tinkering and restoring cars his entire adult life. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, in Korea, and upon returning home, married the love of his life Audrey Christensen in 1955.

He worked as a master plumber until joining the West Hartford Fire Department, on February 3, 1961. While his job was a firefighter, he was a also a carpenter, building their first home in Coventry, Connecticut. He earned his pilot’s license flying small planes out of Brainard airport, in Hartford, Connecticut.

In 1967 they “bought the farm”, a 400-acre rural farmhouse, in Anson, because Richard wanted a place for the kids to play. For the next 55 years they enjoyed vacations and time together with family and friends, building years of memories. In 1986 Richard retired from the fire department as Deputy Chief and they moved permanently to the farm in Maine.

He was predeceased by his brother, Robert.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Audrey Christensen Plourd; sons Thomas Hogerty, of South Windsor, Connecticut, Mitchell Plourd and wife Deborah, of Madison; daughter, Patricia and husband David Downes, of Newington, Connecticut; and son, William and his wife Alecia, of Canton, Connecticut; his grandchildren Keith and Jody Plourd, Corey and Danielle Dollak, Taylor Cox, Jillian and Brandon Berry, Austin and Samantha Plourd, Christian and Alexandra Plourd, Tyler and Melissa Plourd and Emma Plourd; great-grandchildren Cameron Plourd, Jordyn Plourd, Peyton Plourd, Ethan Plourd, Eliotte Cox, Everly Cox, Owen Plourd and expected in August, Luca Plourd.

RONALD E. BUCHANAN

CHINA – Ronald E. Buchanan passed away at home, following a long battle with heart disease, at Beacon Hospice. He was the son of Norman Buchanan and Alice C. Huntley.

He was raised by his step-father, William E. Huntley, of Scarborough.

He graduated high school in 1959, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Army with his best friend Corydon Mills.

In retirement, he enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening.

He is survived by his wife KathleenA. Huntley; son Jeffrey Buchanan and his wife Mona, of Florida; son Ronald Buchanan and wife Tammy, of Arizona, and son Kyle Davis and Tiffany Davis, of Florida; two step-daughters, Dorothy Huntley and Ashley Huntley, both of China, and Keith Davis, of Litchfield. He helped raise eight children total. He also leaves many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.