MERLAND L. O’NEAL SR.

OAKLAND – Merland L. O’Neal Sr., 63, passed away on Turesday, March 10, 2020, following a courageous battle with cancer. Merl was born in Waterville on March 19, 1957, the son of Merland L. O’Neal Sr. and Thelma (Bickford) O’Neal.

He attended school in Oakland and was a graduate of Messalonskee High School, class of 1975. During his school years he was a member of the Messalonskee marching band and played the tuba.

Merl had a passion for cooking. As a teenager he had a part time job at the Coffee Pot Restaurant, on Main Street, in Oakland. After graduating high school, he went to work at the Food For Thought Restaurant, another local restaurant in Oakland. He was the head cook there for many years.

He also catered numerous weddings and events for friends and family. This man made the most scrumptious cheesecake that you could ever eat.

Later in life he went to work for C.N. Brown and worked at The Big Apple Convenience Store, in Fairfield, until he had to take an early retirement because of health problems. Merl was also a member of the Oakland American Legion and on occasion worked there bartending.

Merl’s favorite hobby was woodworking. He could build just about anything and made the most beautiful pieces of furniture for family and friends. He also liked searching through antique stores to find the most unusual and unique pieces.

Merl always put family first in his life and was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever help was needed. He was always upbeat and faced his illnesses with great courage.

He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. Merl was a generous, loving brother and a caring son who looked after his mother.

Merl was predeceased by his father, Merland L. O’Neal Sr.

He is survived by his mother, Thelma (Bickford) O’Neal; his sister, Bonnie Stratton and friend Gary Desrosiers, sister Debbie Wentworth and her husband Rick, brother Joey O’Neal and his wife Jaime, niece Tanya Kormann and her husband Eric and their children, Benjamin, Abigale, and Marley; niece, Sydney O’Neal; nephew, Gabe Wentworth and his wife Angela and their children, Hannah and Anthony; nephew, Jeremiah Stratton and his wife Paula and their children, Jack and Poppy; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

There will be a graveside service in early May at Lewis Cemetery, in Oakland, and a celebration of life following the service at the home of Leatrice and Roger Grevois. All are welcome.

Service date and time will be announced in May.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

HELEN F. CAREY

WINSLOW – Helen (Fortin) Carey, 88, of Winslow, formerly of Belgrade, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2020, at home. Helen was born in Waterville on March 2, 1932, the youngest daughter/child of Dan and Cecile (Parent) Fortin.

She graduated from Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, in 1950, with a deep love for God and other people, then attended Colby College, in Waterville. She met her husband, Richard “Spike” Carey, one New Year’s Eve while on a date with Gerald “Cutch” Couture. Married in 1952, together Helen and Richard raised six children.

A lifelong public servant, Helen had many jobs through the years to help support her family. She was city clerk in Waterville for many years, often bringing her work home with her on the weekends to help serve more citizens who needed hunting or fishing licenses, even on Mothers Day! She served as Deputy Registrar of Deeds for Kennebec County where she was loved and respected by lawyers, paralegals, and surveyors from all over. She worked for the LEAP Project where she met and befriended many educators and principals from across the state. She was a supervisor and enumerator for several censuses dating back to 1960. Helen was a Communicant and Eucharistic Minister at Notre Dame Church (Corpus Christi Parish), in Waterville. She served on the Parish Council and Finance Committee for several years, as well as volunteering as a CCD teacher and Eucharistic Minister to the sick at Thayer Hospital, and in many other capacities.

She was predeceased by her husband Richard; son Stephen; her parents; her sister Jeanne and niece Celeste Nadeau, of Riverside, California.

She is survived by her children, sons Michael and wife Jackie, of Barre, Vermont, Gregory and fiancée Barbara, of Waterville; daughters Denise and husband Jack Ducharme, of Madison, Martha and husband Alan Thibodeau, of Madison, and son Peter and wife Bobbie, of Fairfax, Virginia.; 17 grandchildren, Bradley Carey, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Sean Carey, Jennifer Annett, Denise Corriveau, Taylor and Riley Sinclair, Joseph and Benjamin Ducharme, Jennifer Doherty, Joshua Thibodeau, Cecile Willett, Charlotte and Jessica Thibodeau, Anna and Scarlett Carey; 31 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law Jack and wife Mariette Carey and Camille Nadeau; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian farewell will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2020, at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver Street, in Waterville, followed by a celebration of life. Burial will follow in the summer of 2020, date to be determined.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences with Helen’s family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a hospice group of your choice in Helen’s name so others may encounter peace and compassion in their final days and hours

JAMES A. HOWARD

SIDNEY – James A. “Big Jim” Howard, 77, of Ginger Place, died unexpectedly, at his home on Thursday, March 12, 2020. He was born in Vassalboro on March 8, 1943, the son of Harlow and Glenora L. (Glidden) Howard.

Prior to his retirement, Jim was employed for 30 years as a heavy equipment operator by Williams Construction, later known as Ferraiolo Construction and subsequently State Paving. Jim enjoyed the outdoors and found contentment watching wildlife and grooming trails. With an affinity for cars, Jim joined the Northeast Cruisers Car Club and Maine Street Machines. Jim never met a stranger, he could strike up a conversation with anyone and never ran out of things to say.

Big Jim was predeceased by his parents; and by a son, Eddie Tourigny.

Surviving is his wife, Helen (Edwards) Perry, of Sidney; two sons, James G. Howard, of Topsham, and Ray Tourigny, of Durham; daughters, Pamela Ann Yenco, of West Bowdoin, Ginger Howard, of Thomaston, and Lori Padden, of Hallowell; a nephew, Walter “Gator” Willey, of Fairfield; eight grandsons, Mark A. Padilla, of Kingsland, Georgia, Parker J. Howard, of Topsham, Tyler J. Howard, of Patchogue, New York, Joshua N. Underhill, of Gardiner, Jesse S. Tozier, of Augusta, Kameron J. Tourigny, of New Port Richey, Florida, Samuel R. Tourigny, of Durham, and Camden E. Tourigny, of Durham; two granddaughters, Brooke N. Howard, of Topsham and Kalie A. Tourigny, of Augusta; seven great-grandchildren.

There are no public visiting hours and no public funeral services scheduled.

A Celebration of life to be announced at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant Street, Augusta, Maine.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.plummerfh.com. Memorial donations can be made toyour local Humane Society.

FAITH M. BRANN

COOPERS MILLS – Faith Marie Brann, 67, of Coopers Mills, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2020. Faith was born in Portland, on June 8, 1952, the daughter of the Late Jeanette L. (Smith) Burnham Brann and Gerald J. Leveque.

Faith is survived by her husband of 50 years, Robert A. Brann, Sr. Robert and Faith married on October 30, 1970, in Coopers Mills

They had two children, a son, Robert A. Brann, Jr. and daughter, the late Jennie Lynn Marie (Brann) Ouellette.

Faith enjoyed animals and spent many years raising her beautiful Golden Retrievers. Faith was definitely a “golden girl” and all who knew her would agree.

In Faith’s earlier years she worked in the healthcare system as a caregiver. Faith enjoyed NASCAR and would spend countless hours on the phone with either her baby sister Amy or her side-kick Hope, while they would argue back and forth about who was in lead. Faith spent many years enjoying the fact that she could tease her little sisters and light a spark in them.

Faith had a laugh that was infectious. She had such an incredible zest for life that shined throughout from her soul. Faith loved her Jesus and would spend hours enjoying and listening to her old time gospel music; oh how she could sing. Faith was perhaps the best cook this side of Maine, and perhaps the best hostess you would ever meet. Through the years you could not visit Faith Brann and ever leave her home hungry. Faith had the gift to make a stranger feel like they were her best friend, before that stranger left her house.

She was predeceased by daughter Jennie Lynn Marie Ouelette, and daughter-in-law, Kristy Brann.

Faith is survived by her son Robert A. Brann, Jr. of Coopers Mills; her son-in-law Brian Ouelette, Sr., of South China; two granddaughters Kayla-Lynn Brann, of Lewiston, and partner Mike Olcott, Robin (Brann) Jones, of North Carolina, and husband Justin; two grandsons Robert Andrew (Andy) Brann, of Coopers Mills, and Brian Michael Ouellette, Jr., of South China; four great-grandchildren Bentley Olcott, of Lewiston, Koleman, Molly and Cooper Jones, of North Carolina; Faith’s siblings, three brothers Royal W. Burnham, Jr., of Leeds, Mark Burnham and John Burnham, both of Florida; four sisters Hope Ellis and husband Dan, of Hartland, Patience (Pati) Eaton and husband Jeffrey, of Washington, Eilene (Tinker) Labonte and husband Norman, of Augusta, Cora (Amy) Lane, of Winslow, two sisters-in-law, Linda Brann and June Brann, both of Coopers Mills; many nieces and nephews.

There will be no official funeral service, but rather a family gathering will be held at a later date. Family and friends will be contacted personally. Thank you for your understanding.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations directly to Breast Cancer Research in honor of “Jennie Lynn Marie (Brann) Ouellette”

BRUCE P. ARNOLD

VASSALBORO – Bruce P. Arnold, 63, of Arnold Road, died March 13, 2020, at Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta, following a brief illness. He was born in Augusta, on September 25, 1956, the son of Paul Arnold and Louise (Young) Arnold.

He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, boating ATVing and camping. He was a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, of Augusta.

Bruce was the assistant branch manager of Cameron Ashley Building Products for 26 years.

He was predeceased by his mother, Louise Arnold.

Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Vicki L. Arnold, of Vassalboro; three sons, Troy Richards, of Windsor, Daniel Arnold, of Vassalboro, and Devan Arnold, of Augusta; his father, Paul Arnold ,of Vassalboro; his brother, Brian Arnold, of Augusta; and six grandchildren.

There will be no public visiting hours. A Celebration of Bruce’s life will be held Friday April 3, 2020, from 1-3 p.m., at Western View Golf Course & Event Center, 130 Bolton Hill Road, Augusta, ME.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

ROLLAND R. CHURCHILL

SKOWHEGAN – Rolland Robert “Bob” Churchill, 91, passed away Friday, March 13, 2020, at Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta. He was born August 2, 1928, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, the son of Dewey R. Sr. and Frieda M. (Wood) Churchill.

He married the former Elizabeth “Bette” Ladden on November 5, 1949, at the Sacred Heart Church, in Groton, Connecticut. Rolland was a veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during World War II until his honorable discharge.

Bob is survived by six children, Julie and husband Mark, of Oakland; Laura and husband Joseph, of Georgetown, Gary and wife Elise, of Reno, Nevada, Mary and husband Tim, of St. John, Virgin Islands, Laurie, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Glenn and wife Kathy, of Westminster, South Carolina; grandchildren Olivia, William, Christel, Justine, Jennifer, Ben, Peter, Therese and many great-grandchildren; three brothers, Dewey Jr., of Sunnyvale, California, Richard, of Freehold, New Jersey, Stephen ,of Marana, Arizona.

In lieu of a public service the family asks that friends remember Bob with their own loving thoughts and prayers.

Friends and family wishing to donate in Bob’s memory please do so to Maine Veterans Home – Activities Fund, 310 Cony Road, Augusta, Maine 04330.

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

ERIC J. LaPORTE

FAIRFIELD – Eric J. LaPorte, 48, died unexpectedly on Friday, March 13, 2020, at his home, in Fairfield. He was born on August 5, 1971, in Skowhegan, the son of Everett and Marilyn (Keyes) LaPorte.

Eric was a 1989 graduate of Skowhegan High School, and a graduate of Becker College, in Worcester, Massachusetts. He also served in the Army Reserves.

Eric was a 17-year employee, store manager, and construction product connoisseur at Gagne & Son Concrete Block, in Topsham. His passions included family, youth football, officiating local football games, attending concerts, sporting events, and last but definitely not least, hanging out with The Boys. New England Patriots games, Kenny Chesney, and Jimmy Buffett concerts were certainly his favorites.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Anna Cowette, Chester Keyes, Ruth and Gerald Strickland, and Harold and Josephine LaPorte; and his aunt, Joyce Howard.

Eric is survived by his mother, Marilyn LaPorte; his father and stepmother, Everett and Jackie LaPorte; his sisters, Stephany Sherman and her partner Paul Moody, and Jill Fowler and her partner Dan Spooner; his nephew, Devin Sherman, his nieces, Brandi LaPorte, and Cassandra Manson; his uncle, James Howard; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins.

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

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations in Eric’s memory be made to: Fairfield Pal Football c/o John Stewart, 376 Canaan Rd., Clinton, ME 04927.

JOAN C. COLEMAN

WINSLOW – Joan Claire (Pinckney) Coleman, 85, died Saturday, March 14, 2020. She was born May 7, 1934, in Staten Island, New York, the daughter of John S. and Doris Pinck­ney.

She attended Hunter College before transferring to Cornell University, from which she graduated in 1956 with a degree in nutrition. Following her marriage to George Coleman she moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where she attained membership in the American Dietetic Association while working in the student union at the University of Kansas.

In 1963 she moved to Waterville where her first undertaking was revision of a diet manual which served all Waterville hospitals. She was employed as a dietitian at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, where she was director of food service when it merged with Seton Hospital to form Mid-Maine Medical Center. She later became assistant administrator, then assistant to the president. As assistant administrator she introduced several elements of management; she was proudest of adapting Quality Circles to the health industry.

She served as president of the Maine Dietetic Association, and declined requests to stand for a national position. She also served on the board of directors which formally merged the Waterville Girls and Boys Clubs.

After leaving Mid-Maine Medical Center, she worked at Thomas College, in Waterville, where she organized seminars for their Small Business Institute, introduced Elderhostel programs, and bartered teaching undergraduate courses for taking graduate courses to earn her MBA in 1990.

She then worked at the Maine Veterans Medical Center, at Togus, beginning as assistant to the chief of nutrition and food service, later becoming chief. Her experience in management techniques led to her inclusion as part of a team that adapted Baldrige management principles to the V.A.’s annual awards. Her last few years at Togus were spent as chief of quality management for the post.

Following retirement from the V.A. she turned her attention to a variety of undertakings. She became an avid fly-fisher, travelling all over the state seeking new streams and ponds; that led to fly-tying and the construction of fly rods. She also learned woodworking, wood carving, and wood turning. A life-long gardener, she sought to have something in bloom throughout the summer.

Joan was predeceased by her parents John S. and Doris (Hildebrandt) Pinckney.

She is survived by three daughters, Sue and husband Thomas Reid, Leigh and husband Alan Burgess, and Beth Ellen and husband James Roberts; grandchildren Caitlin Merithew and husband Harold, Colin Whalen and wife Amelia, Austin Higgins, Samantha MacIntyre, Tess Burgess, Ted Burgess and wife Elicia, and Niklas Burgess and wife Maria; former husband George Coleman; and several great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 20, 2020, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Waterville, Maine.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

HAZEL H. GUSTAFSON

CLINTON – Hazel H. Gustafson, 88, of Clinton, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Glen­ridge Nursing Home. Hazel was born in Canaan on August 11, 1931, to Aratus and Louise Ames.

She graduated from Skowhegan High School. She married Gustaf Gustafson on August 18, 1948. They had two sons, Greg and Gary, and together they operated a dairy farm until 1981.

She decided to go to nursing school while in her 40s and became an LPN. She worked at Seton Hospital, in Waterville, on the Third Floor Rehab Unit for many years. She loved being a nurse and made many friends and acquaintances while there.

Gus and Hazel traveled many enjoyable miles in their motor home across the U.S, Canada, Mexico and Alaska, with their favorite traveling companions, Stanley and Pat (Hazel’s brother and sister-in-law). Hazel led a full life. She brought love and kindness to all the hearts she touched along with way. Hazel will be remembered as a kind and gentle woman, devoted wife, mother and loving grandmother. She loved family gatherings and spent many hours at her parents’ home in Canaan on Sunday afternoons where she would get caught up with what was going on with her brothers and sisters.

Hazel is survived by two sons, Greg and his wife, Laurel, and Gary and his wife, Linda, all of Clinton; grandchildren, Garrett and his wife Danielle, of Brunswick, Katie Haley, of Fryeburg, Andrea Pelletier and her husband Nick, of Clinton, and Nathan and his wife Amanda, of Winterport; great-grandchildren, Ella, Hannah, Natalie, Wyatt, Quinton, Gus and Francis; her sisters: June Jewell, Darlene (Sonny) Corson, Polly (Bernard) Willey, and Sharon (Clayton) Cooley; brothers Robert (Betty) Ames, Stanley (Pat) Ames and their extended families.

She was predeceased by her husband, Gus; her sisters, Violet Miller and Virginia Gustafson; her brothers, Linwood Ames, Aratus “Joe” Ames, Richard “Dickey” Ames, and Thomas “Tommy” Ames.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.

NORMAN V. GRANT

VASSALBORO – Norman “Buzz” V. Grant, 65, passed away at home on Sunday, March 15, 2020. He was born in Ban­gor, the son of Norman E. Grant and Leona “Lea” Peirce Grant.

He graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1972. Buzz owned his own business, Maine Flooring and Construction.

He was married to Patti Roy, sharing 47 years, and 33 years of marriage.

He belonged to the Vassalboro Masonic Lodge #54 and the Anah Shriners, in Bangor. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, 4-wheeling and snowmobiling. His camp on Moose River, in Rockwood, gave him many hours of pleasure as did being with his friends at Rockwood Bar and Grill. Most of all he loved his family, always willing to help them and his friends in any way that he could.

Buzz is survived by his wife, Patti; son, Justin, and partner, Candy, of Burnham; and granddaughter, Kylie, of Unity; his mother, Lea Grant, of Vassalboro; his sister, Nona Quirion, and husband, Ken, of Vassalboro; niece, Devon Redman, and husband, Ryan, and grandnieces Alyssa and Victoria Redman, all of Vassalboro; uncle, Charles Berry, of Glenburn; In-laws, Bea Roy, of Winslow, JoLyn Craig, of Vassalboro, Pam and Bernard Lemieux, of Vassalboro, Rick and Lisa Roy, of Denver, Colorado, Jeff and Cindy Roy, of Fairfield, Sheldon and Sue Roy, Florida, AJ and partner Judy, of Norridgewock, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Norman E. Grant; aunt, Nonie Berry, and aunt, Elsie McNally.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Shriner’s Hospitals For Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive,Tampa, Florida 33607.

SUELLEN P. LUCE

FAIRFIELD – Suellen P. Luce, 77, of Fairfield, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at Redington-Fairview General Hospital, in Skowhegan. She was born in Waterville on January 10, 1943, the daughter of the late Bernard and Roberta (Gurney) Pomerleau.

Suellen was a graduate of Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. She was very respected in the food service industry, retiring from Sysco following many years of dedicated service. She was an avid reader, and especially enjoyed reading works from Elisabeth Ogilvie.

She also enjoyed rides, music, the outdoors, being at camp in Kingfield, and fishing with her grandsons, but most important in her life was her family. She was a very dear mother and a very kind woman that loved her family dearly and was the glue that held the family together.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by a sister and a brother.

Suellen will be sadly missed by her son, Harry Luce and his companion, Nikki St. Peter; her grandchildren, Kaitlyn and her fiancé Matt, Jacob and his wife Cyndney, and Jared.

Per her request there will be no public services.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

CAROLYN TOWNE

WATERVILLE — Carolyn “Connie” Towne, 81, passed away peacefully in hospice, on Monday, March 16, 2020, after losing a hard-fought battle with cancer. Connie was born in Au­gusta on September 2, 1938, to Judge James and Alice (Hastings) Reid.

She graduated from Hallowell High School in 1956 and earned her associates degree from Lasell Junior College School of Nursing, in Massachusetts, in 1958, where she made many lifelong friends who shared her passion for living each day to its fullest in service.

Connie led an extremely active and social lifestyle, on the go until the very last week of her life. Never one to stay still, Connie had a lust for life unrivaled and admired by all that had the pleasure of knowing this incredible woman. No one loved a party more than Connie. One of her favorite memories was dancing with her husband and family to the music of the Pete Collins’ Dixieland Jazz Band during their many celebrations, especially those in which her brother James played the drums back in the good old days in Boston, where she and her husband met.

Connie was a Registered Nurse in the State of Maine, was employed by MaineGeneral Health for more than 25 years and had a passion for nursing driven by her love for helping people.

She coached Cony High School girls tennis team for several years, leading them to win a state championship in 1994. She was a champion tennis player, a true terror on the court, but also a very good sport, and accumulated more tennis (and running) trophies than one can reasonably expect to display without feeling extremely boastful. She was a mainstay of The Washingtonians Ski Club, a social ski group that meant the world to her and her husband. Connie holds the unofficial record for the most trips to the Swiss/French Alps out of the group. She also loved to cross-country ski, in recent years at the Quarry Road Recreation Area, in Waterville.

Finally, she was an avid gardener, a respectable golfer, and loved both gourmet cooking and international travel.

Connie volunteered for many charitable organizations, serving on the Board of the Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, the Alfond Youth Center, the Waterville Boys & Girls Club, and the Thayer Osteopathic Seton Combined Auxiliaries (TOSCA). She was a long-time member of the First Congregational Church UCC, in Waterville, and chaired the Christian Education committee there for many years.

Connie was predeceased by her parents; as well as her brothers James L. Reid, Jr. and Jeff Reid.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Dr. John W. Towne; two children, Allison DiMatteo, of Saco, and Nathan Towne, of Waterville; and two grandchildren, Anna and Simon DiMatteo.

A celebration of Connie’s life will be held at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Waterville Opera House, where she very much enjoyed watching her family perform, or a hospice organization of your choice in Connie’s name so others may experience the peace she experienced in her final days and hours.

GILBERT J. DeROCHE SR.

BENTON – Gilbert J. DeRoche Sr., 89, of Benton, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2020. Gil was born to Sylvia (LeBreton) and Alphonse DeRoche on February 10, 1931, on the Old Town Indian Reservation.

He was the second oldest of the six surviving children and the last one to pass away. Five other siblings died at or around birth. Gil grew up and was raised with his five siblings in Madison. Dad’s family faced many challenges and was nothing short of a special group of six community children. Their father, Alphonse left his family in 1943 leaving the four girls and two boys with their mother, and not much of anything else besides each other.

Gil and Nancy were privately married on July 13, 2001. They shared many trips, some to Las Vegas, Nevada, and many other gaming locations. He would sing karoake at many of the locations across the states always with a smile. They even made a trip to Hawaii. Nancy and her immediate family shared many events, singing and laughing at Gil’s jokes. Gil purposely shared a joke because he wanted everyone he knew and met to reach the euphoria you have when you relax and laugh.

The Madison community was very helpful to his family including a special coach at school who wanted him to be part of the program if he could learn the capitals of each state in America. After the task was completed, he joined the team as a helper. He carried the affliction for sporting teams and the family camaraderie shown within the team members. His mother would sing during the weekly activities. All of Gil’s sisters were gifted with the ability to sing. Gil sang at fairs when he was young, competitions (which he would win) and was traveled to Portland by a Madison community member to record a “78” single song. Anyone who saw his vehicle for the last 30 years saw his license plate as “My Way 5.”

Gil stopped his education in the ninth grade to help earn money for his mother and family, doing small task in the town, especially around the pool hall. He remembers the tears it would bring to his mother when he gave her a $5 bill he won in a singing contest. She tried to have him utilize his singing talents. As he grew to the teenager years, he would gather with his cousins Ditty and Tinker, and sing all night. He hitchhiked for three years from Madison to Fairfield to court a friend he met on the bus. He was sitting in a crowded bus when Joan Pooler came aboard. Of course, he stood up to give his seat to yes, mom.

Gilbert J. DeRoche Sr. and the former Joan Pooler were married on August 25, 1951. They were together for 47 years before the nasty cancer took Joan’s life at 66 years. Gil entered the Korean conflict, serving in the U.S. Army after their marriage. During his enlistment, he talked his way through the physical and passed even though he always had vision in only his left eye. His service buddy’s noting his physical stature, nicknamed him “peewee.” The one eye obviously had a successful honeymoon. While out of the country serving for his country, Joan gave birth to their first child, Gilbert Jr., in 1952.

Following completion of his commitment in the service, Gil and Joan eventually located themselves in their own home in Fairfield. Gil learned an applicable carpentry trade. He worked for several contractors building homes in Waterville’s First Rangeway area, the Home for Little Wanderers, the Boys and Girls Club, Mayflower Hill area, the Nun’s convent, Keyes Fibre engineer (Huhtamaki) building on the hill and many more. Gil would be left inside the buildings to complete the finish work of the home. He could calculate the necessary components without but a few pieces of leftover wood. He worked helping build or upgrade other friends’ homes and camps. Gil would finish his working life at Keyes Fibre Company, mostly in the maintenance carpenter shop.

During his later years, he teamed with Nate Martin to sing at the nursing homes in Central Maine.

Gil participated within the newly-formed PAL – Police Athletic League. The Fairfield, Albion, Clinton and Benton towns formed sports teams and organized one of the most successful youth programs for girls and boys. Gil was one of the adults who would build bleachers or shacks. One of Gil’s favorite programs was Lawrence High School football. He was seen on the 40-yard line at least two hours prior to the home and away games for the last 35-plus years.

Gil is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children and grandchildren Gil Jr. and Sue DeRoche with Jamie and Allan Mitchell, Jen and Cory Pelletier, also Josh Poulin and companion Danielle Morse; Dana and Lana DeRoche with Chris DeRoche and companion Sarah Diana, Travis and Nicole DeRoche, Melissa Levesque, also Ryan and Shawna Robinson. Michael and Carolee DeRoche with Lindsay and Jared Bragdon, Brittnae DeRoche and companion BB Jesse Lacasse. Deborah DeRoche with Steve and Kelley Knox and Shawn Knox. Peter DeRoche with Jared and Rachell DeRoche and Amber and Jake Dangler; many great-grandchildren; and stepchildren and step-grandchildren Kathleen and Louis Bourgeois, with Nick Cormier, Sean and Jazuymen Cormier, Brad and Kaila Cormier. Gregory and Kimberly Cormier, with Kristin and Eric Eggdoy, Ryan Cormier and Lindsay Cormier. Eric and Lisa Cormier with Seth and Taylor Cormier. Erin Cormier. Gil was predeceased by his first wife Joan, all his DeRoche siblings Retha Jolin, Priscilla Arsenault, Richard (Manny) DeRoche, Gloria Dupont, Delores Corson. God has blessed their souls and are together again.

At Gil’s request, in lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Lawrence High School Booster, P.O. Box 49,7 in Fairfield, Maine 04937, c/o Libby Higgins.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

MARIE J. TOZIER

CLINTON – Marie Jeanne Tozier, 89, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at Cedar Ridge Center, Skowhegan. She was born in Waterville on October 24, 1930, the daughter of Cornelius J. Begin, Sr. and Bernadette (Drouin) Begin.

She was a graduate of Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, class of 1948.

Marie was employed as a customer service representative for C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville, and, following her retirement, she was a volunteer for MaineGeneral Medical Center.

Marie decorated her home with her cross-stitch portraits, and her children were honored to receive some of them as gifts. She was an avid reader, was a Eucharistic Minister, loved her Silver Sneaker Exercise class and her bowling team.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Theron Tozier; grandson, Nathan Davis; and brother, Cornelius J. Begin, Jr.

Marie is survived by her children, Angela Cote Davis, of Fairfield, Thomas Cote, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Emily McDonald and husband Charles, of Madison, Elizabeth Ferland and husband Pete, of Elizabeth City, North Carolina: many grandchildren; and great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; stepchildren, Donna Raycraft and husband Joe, of Concord, New Hampshire, Thomas Tozier and wife Debbie, of Rochester, New Hampshire, Linda Ruksznis and husband Buz ,of Kittery, and Katherine Towle and husband David, of Bowdoin; two sisters, Camilla Hachey of Banbridge, Georgia, and Rachel Matthews, of Fairfield.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville.

Burial will be held in the spring in Rural Grove Cemetery, Dover-Foxcroft.

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

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, P.O. 828, Waterville, ME 04903.

PETER STEVENS

OAKLAND — Peter was born in Waterville to of Dana and Judy Stevens. He lived in North Belgrade growing up and resided on Main Street, in Oakland, in his later years. He was a kind-hearted man who had overcome many hardships in life, but he always seemed to handle what life gave him with a smile.

A quote from a childhood friend on Facebook truly spoke the truth and simply stated “REST IN PEACE Peter Stevens. You had more than your fair share of struggles in this life and I think you were blessed with a heart larger than most to be able to cope with your added burden. The world is a lesser place today without you in it.”

That being said, he was a rare kind in today’s world: he would have given his shirt off his back and gone without for himself. Peter was a proud graduate of Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, class of 1984, and enjoyed getting together with a group of his friends from school. He always looked forward to spending time with family and friends, whether it be just sitting, having a cup of coffee, going out to eat, going for a ride. He was a proud member of Team Hallowell, a team on The Dempsey Challenge.

He was fortunate he got to travel quite a bit. He would go to visit his cousin Barbie McEachern, in Florida, and traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, and to California a few times at his spiritual mom’s, Donna Weising.

He lived a simple life and was very content, didn’t really ever asked for much. He loved Jesus with all his heart and had a very strong faith, He could quote his Scripture from memory. He loved music and watching his favorite TV shows. Everyone that knew Peter will always remember his infectious smile and laughter, He loved to read by the hour, and loved animals. But truly nothing was more important to Peter than his family, his sister Stacy and husband Willy Morton, and his niece Harley and nephew Dakota Morton.

Peter was predeceased by his brother David Stevens, mother Judy Stevens, his father Dana Stevens, cousin Sue Eller.

Survivors include his sister, Stacy Stevens and her husband Willy Morton, Harley Morton, Dakota Morton, all of Oakland, Uncle Hardy Taylor, Aunt Jeanette Fletcher, Uncle Bobby Furbush, Aunt Juanita Bickford, several cousins.

There will be a celebration of life in the spring and burial at Pine Grove Cemetery, in Waterville, will follow.

In lieu of flowers friends and family may make a donation in his memory to help with cost of funeral expenses, to his sister, Stacy Stevens, 21 North Alpine Street, Oakland Maine 04963.

Arrangements by Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

WALTER F. SHUMAN

OAKLAND – Walter Felix Shuman, 87, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2020, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. He was born in Rumford, to Felix Peter and Mary Ann (Buchoinis) Shuman.

At the age of four he moved with his mother and father to their farm in New Sharon where he spent his youth. After his farm chores were complete, he could be found fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, and just enjoying what the great outdoors had to offer. You would often hear him mention that he had the best childhood.

He graduated from New Sharon High School where he excelled in both basketball and baseball. He served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman in France during the Korean Conflict. He attended Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, in South Portland, and upon graduation worked for Stone & Webster Engineering where he met his wife Jane. He was employed by Chas. T. Main for 15 years as an electrical field engineer and during this time he pursued his education and obtained his degree in electrical engineering. His job with Chas. T. Main took him to many states across the country and also to the Maritime Providences of Canada. He retired from Scott Paper Company, in Winslow, as the maintenance manager of the Somerset Plant.

In his retirement he looked forward to spending winters in Florida. Golfing, fishing, hunting, bowling, working with stain glass were some of his many interests. Additionally, he was a life-long learner who enjoyed non-fiction books about Maine, Alaska and any of his other interests. He was a member of the Waterville Country Club for 35 years and an active member of the Smithfield Baptist Church.

Water is survived by his wife of 59 years Jane (Merrill) Shuman; daughters Wendy Van Der Karr and her husband Peter Fisher, Elizabeth Smith and her husband J.C., Brenda Vachon and her husband David; his grandchildren, Jane, Eric, and Sarah Van Der Karr, Megan and Mackenzie Smith, and Emily Vachon; sister-in-law Patricia McKenzie; nieces Patricia O’Donnell and her husband James, Susan Anghinetti and her husband Joseph; nephews Greg and Brian McKenzie; along with cousins and several great-nieces and nephews.

Walter was predeceased by his mother Mary, his father Felix, his sisters Aldona Larsen and Anella Jensen, and niece Paula Larsen.

A celebration of life will be held at the Smithfield Baptist Church, 25 Lakeview Drive, Smithfield, on March 28, 2020, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to the Humane Society of your choice or the Smithfield Baptist Church.

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

JOHN T. BULLEN

VASSALBORO – John T. Bullen, 58, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at his home, in Vassalboro. He was born February 10, 1962, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Robert V. and Maryann T. (Wysokowski) Bullen.

After moving to Maine in 1972 with his family, John attended Carl B. Lord Elementary School, in Vassalboro, and Winslow High School, where he was a member of the wrestling team. After graduating, he began a career in the construction business in York, where he worked for more than 20 years as a carpenter.

John will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his generosity, and his willingness to help others. He was a avid fisherman and a huge fan of the Denver Broncos football team.

He is survived by his son, Myles; brothers, Robert and Vincent.

In accordance with Johns wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation hours.

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

LINDA D. CHAMPINE

WATERVILLE – Linda D. (Card) Champine, 70, passed away Friday, February 28, 2020, at Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home, in Waterville. She was born April 9, 1949, in Framingham, Massachusetts, the daughter of Reginald J. Card and Mildred (Keanney) Sukeforth.

She worked at various jobs including C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville, Pleasant Hill Nursing Home, in Fairfield, and the chicken plant, in Winslow. She enjoyed cooking, coloring, and knitting.

Linda is survived by four daughters, Lynn Giles and partner Louis Carey, of Waterville, Lisa Moulton and husband Travis, of Oakland, Barbara Smith and partner Patty, of Winslow, and Kathy Merrill, of Gardiner; sons, Mike (Pinkyman) Sturtevant, of Fairfield, and Stephen Giles and wife Jeane, of Waterville; seven sisters, Cynthia Vasilatone and husband Mark, of Bethleham, Pennsylvania, Bridget Sanipas and husband Wayne, of Unity, Annette Cafro ,of Alpha, New Jersey, Patricia Cunningham, of Flemington, New Jersey, Regina Kihlstadius and husband Todd, of Clearbrook, Minnesota, Darlene Morgan, of Clinton, Regina Cook; three brothers, Reginald Card, of Whitehouse, New Jersey, Jeffrey Card, of Searsport, Tim Card and wife Lindsey, of Washington state; step-mother, Toni LaRochelle Card Godown, of Troy; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 29, 2020 from 1 – 5 p.m., at the VFW, on Main Street, Fairfield.

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

PETER H. GOOLDRUP

CHINA – Peter Howard Gooldrup, 79, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 29, 2020. Peter was born, in Waterville, on August 11, 1940, the son of Arthur and Yvonne (Butler) Gooldrup.

He attended China Elementary School and earned his GED in 1970.

He worked for the State of Maine Department of Transportation from 1959 until his retirement in 1995.

He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Yvonne; siblings Connie, Christine, Norman, and Barbara; son-in-law Frank, sister-in-Law Violet, and brother-in-Law David.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce M. Gooldrup; children Richard P. (Marjorie), Ann Breton, Theresa Gooldrup, Becky Kosis; grandchildren Amanda King, Derick King (Tiffany), Miranda Kosis, Dale Kosis, Mary Gooldrup; great-grandchildren Kylie and Thomas Boucher, Angel and Brooklyn King, and Colton Shaw; siblings Arthur Gooldrup, Lillian Belcher (Jim), Mary Champine, and James Gooldrup (Irene).

At Peter’s request, there will be no services.

SHIRLEY A. EXNER

WATERVILLE – Shirley Ann Exner, 70, a longtime resident of Waterville, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at the age of 70 at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. She was born in Mahwah, New Jersey, on March 18, 1949, the daughter of Stanley T. Dunn and Mary Jean Dunn, of Mahwah, New Jersey.

Shirley was married to her husband, William R. Exner, for 45 years. Shirley raised four children as a homemaker and enjoyed spending time with them and her six grandchildren. Her greatest wish was to have a close family that loves and supports each other. She spent her free time reading and knitting. As an avid knitter, Shirley knitted hundreds of sets of hats and mittens to donate to the local Waterville schools for children in need over the years.

She is survived by her husband, William R. Exner, of Waterville; daughters Christina E. Exner, of Oakland, Amanda C. Exner,of Gardiner, Brenda J Exner, of Oakland, James C. Exner and his wife Shauna, of China; grandchildren LTJG Phillip A. Exner and his girlfriend Abbie Gaudette, Joseph M. Exner, Billy W. Eaton, Brandon Brown-Exner, Trevor Exner, Addison Exner; former sons-in-law Eric R. Holt and Kirby K. Knox; three sisters Gail Dunn McCullough and husband Bill, of Morrill, Wanda Caggiano and husband Robert, of Hamburg, New Jersey, Karen Knichel and husband Jeff, of New Jersey; three brothers, Steven Dunn, of Martinez, California, Russell Dunn, of Branchville, New Jersey, Paul Dunn, of Fletcher, Vermont; cousin Peggy Benson, of New Jersey; and several cousins, nephews and nieces.

Shirley was predeceased by her father, Stanley T. Dunn and mother, Mary Jean Dunn, of Mahwah, New Jersey, and sister-in-law Mary Dunn, of Martinez, California.

Her wish for a close family has always been and always will be fulfilled.

There will be a celebration of life at the American Oakland Legion, 22 Church Street, Oakland, ME, on Sunday, March 15, 2020, from noon – 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate hats and mittens in her name to George J. Mitchell School at 58 Drummond Ave, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

GEORGE McKENNEY

PALERMO – George Andrew McKenney Jr, 89, passed peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2020, following a brief admittance to Togus Springs, in Augusta. He was husband to Beverly (Wellman), father of five children, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and loyal friend to many. His steady, cheerful presence at family and community events will be sorely missed.

Born on April 25, 1930, to George and Doris (Hannan) McKenney, they moved to the farm on North Palermo Road when he was four, and George has lived on and loved that acreage ever since. He went to the local school just up the road and often told stories of walking home through the fields and woods and along the brook. He graduated from Erskine Academyd, in South China, in 1948, and shortly afterward joined the U.S. Army. He served as a corporal and was stationed in Alaska during the Korean Conflict. George returned to Maine to marry the former Beverly Wellman on June 9, 1953, and returned to duty on June 30.

Following his military service, George worked in the shoe industry until its collapse in the mid-1970s. Thereafter, George “took to the woods,” the second love of his life. George spent every hour possible “down back” cutting wood, hunting, fishing, and absorbing the secrets of the forest. Perhaps our greatest inheritance was his love for the natural world. He shared his appreciation of trees and animals and birds with anyone who cared to listen. He was a true sportsman in that he opened access to his land to others including ATVs and snowmobiles – but a word of caution: take care not to get confused by George’s maze of trails down back. Neighbors and friends were always welcome to hunt as long as they followed his “No Does” rule. George was welcomed at family and friends’ camps throughout the great state of Maine for moose hunts, ice fishing trips, or just a chance to visit.

George was a hometown boy, but after Beverly’s retirement they traveled to places like Hawaii and Ireland. They took cruises and drove cross country to Alaska. Beverly may have been the motivator, but George went along. He could report the exact mileage per gallon and best places for gas and where to eat, although he’d prefer a picnic and a piece of Beverly’s pie. He was curious and interested in everything – except maybe the latest fashions. And if you ever had a question about the weather, you could always ask George.

He made friends easily and many of these were like family as they visited with George and Beverly at the farm over the years. George was a family man and viewed gatherings as a joy rather than an obligation. He exemplified the true meaning of what it is to be a good neighbor and citizen. George was involved in the leadership of Boy Scout Troop #222 and all four of his boys earned their Eagle. He and Beverly were active members of the Palermo Fish and Game Club, the Palermo Historical Society, and the American Legion Malcolm Glidden Post #163, for which George was recently awarded the Quilt of Valor. Palermo honored George and Beverly by naming them grand marshals for the 2012 Palermo Days Parade. A humble soul, George may not have fully realized the importance of his presence, but his family certainly did. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren as they continue to serve their communities in various capacities. Evidence that an individual truly can make a difference.

George is survived by his wife, Beverly, of 66 years; his children Dennis and his extended family, Dale and wife Pam, Dwain and wife Diana, Ilene, and Darryl; grandchildren Danielle Reitchel and husband Dicky, Hillary Turner and husband Rob, Megan Childs and husband Steve, Katherine Libby and husband Mike, Jacob and wife Crystal, Nicole and partner Kenny, Tory Winters and husband JJ, Lauren and partner Dan, Ashlie Stubbs and husband Ethan, Chelsie Herrin and husband Jared; and great-grandchildren Riley, Holden, Aiden, Wyatt, Addison, Alex, Olivia, Luke, Rossalyn, Harper, Avery, Mia, Evelyn, Emmett, Oliver, and Clara; his sister, Amy Ingraham; sisters-in-law, Marion Bryant, Maxine Carle and Virginia Wellman, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Those who knew George will remember his interest in people and willingness to sit and tell tales. In that spirit, please join family and friends at the Palermo Christian Church for a celebration of life on Saturday, March 14, at 2 p.m., and please bring a story to share.

Those who desire may make donations in George’s memory to the Palermo Christian Church, P.O. Box 154, Palermo, Maine 04354.

PETER J. DYER

FAIRFIELD – Peter Joseph Dyer, 63, of Fairfield, passed away unexpectedly at his home, on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. Peter was born on August 19, 1956, in Fairfield, son of Frederick and Madeline (Tobey) Dyer.

Peter never married and never had any children, except for all the nephews and nieces and grandnephews and grandnieces who loved and looked up to him as “Uncle Pete,” who always doted on all of them as his own.

He worked at Huhtamaki, in Fairfield, for over 20 years. Prior to Pete working at the mill he was a construction worker for 20 years at Bill Mushero Foundation Company, in Fairfield. No matter where Pete worked, he always had the reputation of being the hardest, most dedicated worker on his crew. Anyone who knew him loved him for his work ethic, quiet and pleasant demeanor, and his unwavering devotion to his family. For decades Peter looked after his grandmother, mother and father, assisting them in any way that was needed. He was truly a dedicated grandson, son, brother, uncle, friend and caretaker to all.

Peter was a Lawrence High School graduate, class of 1975, in Fairfield, and a devoted “Bulldogs” fan, especially when watching his brothers, nieces and nephews play for all Lawrence sports, especially football. As one of his nephews stated, “He loved watching the “DOGS” on a Friday night, he could give you a play by play of a football game 30 years ago and remembered them all. He loved outdoor activities and was proficient at kayaking and cross-country skiing, which he enjoyed doing with various family members. He also spent many hours snowshoeing and mountain biking. Peter was very well rounded in many different areas, a music and movie lover as well as an avid reader on many different subjects. To family members Peter possessed many of the admirable qualities of his late grandfather, Robert Tobey, quiet yet forthright, hardworking, intelligent, lover of the outdoors, and family commitment, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Peter was predeceased by his mother, Madeline Dyer.

He is survived by his father, Fred Dyer; sisters Jane Moffitt and husband Edward, of Stockton Spring, and Nancy Simpson and husband Robert, of Fairfield; brothers Robert Dyer and wife Susanne, of Benton, and Ronald Dyer, of Fairfield; nieces, Sarah Moffit, of Stockton Springs, and Aimee Moffitt-Mercer, of Belfast, Jennifer Simpson, of Fairfield, Tori Dyer, of Bangor; nephews, Caleb Moffitt and partner Roberto Forleo, of Portland; Kevin Dyer and wife Tammy, of Clinton, Kelly Dyer and wife Tanya, of Fairfield, Kasey Dyer and wife Jenny, of Sidney, Tobey R. Simpson and wife Bodhi, of Benton; grandnephews, Cody Grenier, Ryan Pelletier, Dustin Simpson-Bragg, Davin Bolduc, Tobey J. Simpson, Kayden Dyer, Gage Ward; grandnieces, Kayla Duprey, Alli Tully, Giselle, and Gracelyn Dyer, Haylee and Lillyanne Dyer; grandnephews, Kaden Dyer, Gracelyn Dyer, Willow Simpson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made payable to, Lawrence High School, 9 School Street, Fairfield, ME. 04937 to create a Peter J. Dyer Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund.

A celebration of Peter’s life will be held on February 29, 2020, from 1 – 3 p.m., at Governor’s, 376 Main St, Waterville, ME. A light lunch will be provided.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

PETER ANDERSON

FAIRFIELD – Peter Anderson, 79, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor. He was born April 5, 1940, in Waterville, the son of Lars and Agnes W. (Senkeiwez) Anderson.

He graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1958. On September 2, 1966, he married Anna Stewart at the Fairfield Methodist Church. He was employed at John Julia Farm for 30 years and at Local #327 Union for over 20 years. He was a very private man. He enjoyed farming and going to cattle auctions, riding and going out for breakfast with his wife, Anna. He loved dealing cattle and raising pigs.

Peter is survived by his wife of 53 years, Anna (Stewart) Anderson, of Fairfield; son Peter Anderson II and wife Faith, of Fairfield; two grandsons, Devin Bowman, of Winslow, and Colby Anderson, of Fairfield; one brother, Charles Anderson and wife Linda, of Benton; two sisters, Mary Murray and husband Jim, of Auburn, and Annie Delaware, of Gardiner; nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister, Betty Mitchel.

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at the Fairfield Community Center in Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Peter’s memory to Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, Maine 04901

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

WILLIAM R. THIBODEAU

SKOWHEGAN – William R. Thibodeau 86, of Skowhegan, passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2020. He was born in Skowhegan on November 24, 1933, to the late Herbert and Ina Burlock Thibodeau Sr.

He wore many hats as a husband, father and grandfather. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing, hunting, riding his ATV and being with his family. He worked for years in local shoe shops, Norwock Shoe Co., and Dexter Shoe Co. He drove for Shibley Fuel Co., before retiring from Skowhegan School district.

He was predeceased by his parents, a son James B. Thibodeau, brother Herbert A. Thibodeau Jr., and sister Mabel LaPierre.

Survived by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy Gaudreau Thibodeau; daughter Susan Henry husband Bruce; grandchildren Christopher Henry and wife Brandy, Jennifer Henry pand artner Brian Aubry; and great-grandchildren Kalie McGlashing, Hunter Smith, Connor Henry and Haidyn Smith.

At Williams request there will be funeral or visitation hours. Interment at the convenience of family.

JOYCE L. RICKER

WATERVILLE – Joyce L. (Gentry) Ricker, 79, passed away Monday, February 17, 2020, at Cedar Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Skowhegan, where she had been a resident for the past two weeks. She was born May 20, 1940, in Pensacola, Florida, the daughter of Hubert and Lucille (Meeks) Gentry.

She attended schools in Pensacola and was employed for many years as a mail courier.

Joyce is survived by daughter Donna King and husband Edward, of Nantucket, Massachusetts; brothers, Hubert Gentry, of Pensacola, Florida, Raymond Gentry and wife Ursula, of Navarre, Florida, Albert Gentry and wife Marsha, of Pensacola, Florida; step-daughter Karen Woodard, of Dexter; granddaughters Mandy Perkins and husband Ryan, of Madison, Carrie Campbell and partner Laurie Brophy, of Waterville, Samantha Metcalf and husband Kyle, Jessica Jacobs and husband Marshall, of Sangerville; two grandsons, Nathan Ricker, of Portland, Oregon, Dustin Trottier and wife Raven, of Brewer; other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her companion of 40 years, Joseph Bishop; son Michael A. Ricker; brothers, John and David Gentry.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Joyce’s memory to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

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

WILLIAM J. MASSE

SKOWHEGAN – William J. Masse, 57, passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2019, at Androscoggin Hospice House, in Auburn. He was born December 17, 1962, in Marblehead, Massachusetts, the son of Elliot and Ruth (Strong) Cresoe.

He was employed for many years as a carpenter in construction.

William is survived by his parents, Elliott and Ruth (Strong) Cresoe, of Skowhegan; son, Chad Masse of Salem, Massachusetts; two brothers, Robert Masse, of Marblehead, Massachusetts, Brian Cresoe, of Skowhegan; and sister, Sheila Strong, of Skowhegan.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

JAN F. BISHOP

AUGUSTA – Jan F. “Ralph” Bishop, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the Maine Veterans Hospital, in Augusta.

“Ralph,” as everyone knew him by, was born in Waterville on October 8, 1945, to Frank and Hortense (Giroux) Bishop, who have predeceased him.

He attended Waterville schools, graduated from Waterville High School, class of 1965. He also attended Thomas College, in Waterville, for three years where he earned his business degree.

Ralph served his country by enlisting in the Army during the Vietnam War and served for four years. After his discharge, Ralph worked for Ware Butler Lumber Co., in Waterville, for a number of years, and also worked for Elite Cab Company, in Waterville.

Ralph loved people and was quick to make friends. He would remember the date you met and on your birthday there would always be a card from him. He also enjoyed reminiscing about the good ‘ole days. He could tell a story like nobody else. He was an avid fan of the Fiddler Convention and attended it every year since its beginning, and had the T-shirts to prove it.

Ralph had a passion for animals and the outdoors. There was always a full bowl of cat food on his back porch to feed any strays that might be passing by. But Ralph’s biggest passion was camping and fishing. His best times were those of setting around the campfire at Pierce Pond with his best buddies, Barney, Tim, Charlie the dog, Brian, Allen, Greg H. and Frank. When this summer rolls around, there will be a huge void without Ralph’s uncanny humor and ever helping hands. He will be missed by so many, especially his special friend, Sheila.

Ralph will have a military honor service at the Veterans Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd. in Augusta on March 2, at noon.

A celebration of life will be held this summer at Piere Pond Fishing Camps, in Bingham.

It was his wish that instead of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, or plant a tree in his memory.

GUY M. CHAPLIN

CHELSEA – Guy M. Chaplin Jr., 89, of McLaughlin Circle, died Monday, February 10, 2020, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Campus, in Waterville. He was born in Lexington, Massachusetts, on October 22, 1930, the son of Guy M. Chaplin, Sr. and Dorothy (Trembley) Chaplin.

Mr. Chaplin served honorably in the U.S. Navy.

Prior to his retirement, he was a firefighter for the city of Augusta for 25 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers and three sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn T. (Soucy) Chaplin, of Chelsea; one daughter, Julie A. Dana, of Monmouth, one son, Jeffrey Chaplin, of Hallowell; six grandchildren, Jacob Dana, Kaitlyn Paulette, Nicole Chaplin, Renee Chaplin, Tara Dana and Julie Ann Dana; eight great-grandchildren, Anthony Paulette, Abigail Dana, Owen Flanagan, Alexandra Flanagan, Bailee Roes, Nicholaus Roes, Eli Chaplin and Nora Chaplin; several nieces and nephews.

At his request, there will be no public visiting hours.

A graveside committal service will be held at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Manchester.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME.

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

CARLTON R. HAYDEN

MADISON – Carlton R. Hayden, 89, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at his home, in Madison. He was born in Cornville, the son of Richard and Marion (Demo) Hayden.

He attended Madison schools where he graduated from Madison High School in 1949. From there, he went to work for Norwock Shoe, in Skowhegan, for 43 years until the factory closed. He worked very briefly for Solon Manufacturing and New Balance Shoe as a machinist technician.

Carlton was a farmer and man of many talents. He raised Hereford cattle for many years and liked to “fix” things. He was also instrumental in establishing the Childrens’ Barnyard, at the Skowhegan Fair Grounds, which he ran for 20 years. He and his wife,Thresa, had a real passion for hunting and fishing together. They did this as often as they could throughout their lifetime.

He is survived by his wife, Thresa, of Madison and his six children, Winnie, of Canaan, Becky and husband Steve, of Kensington, New Hampshire, Zane, of Madison, Cherry, of Cornville, Valerie and husband Butch, of Madison and Carla, of Salem, New Hampshire; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, as well as two sisters, Pauline Coro and Arlene Johnson.

A memorial service and celebration of life was held on February 22, at the Carrabassett Masonic Hall, in Canaan.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make a donation in Carlton’s memory to a charity of their choice.

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

NICHOLAS A. BLASCHKE

VASSALBORO – Nicholas Alan Blaschke, 26, of Vassalboro, passed away at home in a tragic house fire on Thursday, February 13, 2020. Nicholas was born on May 19, 1993, in Waterville. He was the last baby born at Seton Hospital, in Waterville.

Nicholas is the son of Kathleen Cote, of Vassalboro, and Mark and Mary Blaschke, of Sidney. He graduated from Winslow High School, class of 2012, and attended a local day program for adults with special needs. He adored the staff there. He was a child on the inside and loved his movies and books, stuffed animals and toys. His favorites were Thomas the Tank Engine, My Little Pony, The Loud House, and of course, as he was getting older, he started liking Family Guy and American Dad.

Nicholas was also an uncle to 10 children. He loved playing with them, as he was more their age on the inside than his physical age. He was a “forever boy.” A sweet, innocent soul, Nicholas was attached to his mom at the hip. Their favorite times together included their Friday or Saturday dates – going to dinner and then to Barnes and Noble or Bullmoose for books or movies or both. They enjoyed watching Disney movies and cooking shows on Food Network. His favorites were the Kid’s Baking shows and Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. He even wore his sunglasses like Guy Fieri.

His mom will miss his huge bear hugs from behind, his sweet kisses on her cheek, and the playful way he would ‘swipe’ her arm when she annoyed him. You knew you were in a special place with Nicholas if he made any physical contact with you. If you got a back rub or a jab on the arm, you were IN!

His dad will cherish all the fun and joyous memories whether it was watching him kiss the fish we caught before we threw them back, making him laugh by doing impressions of his favorite Disney characters, making up silly stories at bedtime or just hanging out to watch a movie or take a ride. Just being with him was always a blessing.

Nicholas is survived by his parents; his brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Brianne Blaschke, of Winslow, and niece Cara who he always let play with his toys; his grandparents, Ronald and Anna Rancourt, of Zephyrhills, Florida; his great-aunt Mary Lou Gaulin, of Waterville; his step-brother and sister-in-law, Adam and Kendra Osborne, of Glenburn, and nephews and nieces Chase, Dahlia, Elijah, and Sylvia; his stepsister and brother-in-law, Ariel and Tim Lavarnway, of Oakland, and nephews Noah, William, and Jude; his step-sister and husband Lauryn and Warren Joslyn, of Grovetown, Georgia, and nephew Elijah; step-sister and fiancé, Emily Cote and Ben Misner, of Augusta, and nephew Elliott; his stepfather Jeffrey Cote of Sidney; and special grandstepparents, Donald and Lorraine Cote of Sidney, and grandstepmother, Patricia Jordan, of Sidney; aunts and uncles and cousins, Pete Rancourt, of Winslow, and cousin Will Withee, Rick and Jen Rancourt, all of Vassalboro and cousins Oliva Clark and Mariah Clark, Tim Rancourt, all of Winslow, Tom and Danielle Rancourt, of Middletown, Connecticut; and cousins, Jessica Rancourt and TJ Rancourt, Rick and Ruth Blaschke, all of Clinton, and cousins Amanda Blaschke and Sage Blaschke, Lyn and Joe Rowden, all of Fairfield, and cousins Aaron Rowden, Emily and Josh Fournier, and Christian Rowden, all of Fairfield, Gary and Teri Blaschke, of Standish, and cousin Annalise, Mary and Gary Freeman of Palm City, Florida, and cousin Cathy Freeman

Nicholas was predeceased by his grandparents, Fred and Evelyn Blaschke, his nephew Nathan Alan Blaschke, and his cousin Dakota Blaschke

A celebration of life for Nicholas was held at Faith Evangelical Free Church, on Saturday, February 22, 2020.

NORMAN L. RICHARDSON JR.

CLINTON – Norman L. Richardson Jr. passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at the Maine Medical Center, in Portland, from complications of a stem cell transplant for T-C prolymphocytic leukemia. He was born in Waterville on February 25, 1943, the son of Norman L. and Elizabeth (Ames) Richardson Sr.

He graduated from Good Will-Hinckley School, in Hinckley, in 1960.

He served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany, from 1964 to 1966. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Specialist 5 within the intelligence field (E-5). Norman received good conduct and expert rifleman medals while serving.

Norman married Corrine Hayden on July 20, 1968, at the Methodist Church, in Skowhegan.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and camping. Norman completed many long-distance trips across the country and into Canada with his wife and family in everything from a pop-up camper to finally a Class A motorhome. He especially loved the western U.S., specifically Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.

Norman worked at the Norridgewock Shoe Shop from 1960 to 1964. After coming back from the service, he worked for a few years at Kennebec Rental and also as a salesperson for MetLife Insurance Company. Never truly feeling comfortable with a tie or a desk job, in 1973 Norman went to work for the State of Maine Department of Transportation. He was hired as a seasonal employee, and plowed snow until he was hired full time. Norman continued to be promoted due to his strong work ethic and understanding of his job. He became a crew leader, then foreman, and then district supervisor of his division. When he retired, he was the division superintendent…a position that now requires a college civil engineering degree. After 33 years of working with his “second family,” Norman retired in 2006.

Norman was a scout leader with the Clinton Boy Scouts for many years, taking the troop on field trips and camping trips while his sons were active in the scouts. He was also a member of the Waterville Beagle Club, the United Bikers of Maine, the American Legion Post #186, and the Maine Wheels Motorhome Association for many years.

Norman was a very friendly person, and always wanted to smile and laugh. If he teased a person, it meant he truly cared and would do anything for them. All of his family and friends knew that they could count on him day or night, regardless of the time of day or the size of the request. Family was the most important thing to him. He cut and split his own firewood, and also a large portion of his sister’s and sisters-in law. Their husbands had passed, yet he continued to look after them. His grandchildren meant the world to him, and spoiled them without restriction.

He was predeceased by his father, Norman L. Richardson Sr., his mother, Elizabeth Richardson Greene; stepfather, James E. Greene; and his brother, Richard W. Richardson.

Norman is survived by his wife of 51 years, Corrine; his sons, Norman L. Richardson III and Brian A. Richardson; sister, Harriet Perkins and sister-in-law, Judy Richardson who he viewed as his own sister; and grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Liam.

A celebration of life for Norman will be held on March 1, 2020, noon to 4 p.m., at the Skowhegan Sportsman’s Club, 850 River Road, in Skowhegan.

A graveside burial will be conducted in the spring at Fairview Cemetery, in Canaan.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral and Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dama Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Dr., 8th floor, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, or New England Cancer Specialist, 100 Campus Dr., Suite 108, Scarborough Maine 04074.

WALTER S. HACIK

WATERVILLE – Walter S. Hacik, 89, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2020, at Woodlands Senior Living Center, Waterville. Walter was born on Sep­tember 22, 1930, the son of John and Anna Hacik.

He graduated from North Plainfield High School, New Jersey, in 1949.

Walter was drafted into the Army in 1951; he was discharged in 1953; after two years of serving his country. During Walter’s time in the service, he was stationed in Germany.

He was self-employed for most of his early career. He was an architect and builder before he decided to move to Maine from New Jersey to own and operate a chicken farm in Freedom. He later moved to Troy, where he got his broker’s license and sold real estate.

Walter lived with his wife, Lois, for 53 years until she passed in 2018. Walter had a twin brother that passed away several years prior to his wife’s passing.

Walter is survived by his brother, Robert and his sister, Anna.

A memorial service will be held on March 28, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 36 Cool St., Waterville, ME, 04901.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral and Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield, Maine.

BARBARA L. COOK

WATERVILLE – Barbara L. Cook, 86, of Waterville, passed away at home on Sunday, February 16, 2020. She was born in Parsonsfield on January 14, 1934, the daughter of James Edwin Moore and Lillian Mae (Thurston) Moore.

She attended schools in Kezar Falls.

After Barbara married, she moved to the Waterville area and worked at C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville, for a while, and then for years she would help her friend, Eva Harb at The Majestic Restaurant, in Waterville. This is where she met a lot of her lifelong friends in the area. Before her health started failing, she and Howard were members of Shawmut Chapel and would enjoy going to bible studies weekly.

Barbara’s first love and her whole life was about her dog, Mia. Mia brought her absolute joy and happiness. Barbara enjoyed camping, boating and fishing for many years with her long-time companion and love of her life, Howard. She was very experienced at sewing, crocheting and knitting and made some beautiful gowns, pant suits, sweaters, hats and blankets over the years.

She also enjoyed gardening and canning when she was younger. She also enjoyed doing ceramics and made many gifts over the years for family and friends that will be cherished even more now. Barbara loved to shop for anything and everything; she and her friend Gale went out together almost every day for one thing or another. Anyone who knew Barbara knew she loved to talk, she especially loved talking to her niece Pat twice a week on the phone and they would talk for hours. Barbara was not able to have children of her own, but she always loved her nieces and nephews like they were her own. Family was very important to Barbara; she always boasted about how well all her nieces and nephews were doing.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, James Edwin Moore and Lillian Mae (Thurston) Moore; her three brothers, Wilson, Maurice and Elmont “Eddie” Moore; her husband, Earl Cook; and her long-time companion, Howard Hann.

She is survived by her stepchildren, Danny Hann, of Fairfield, Wanda Shibles and her husband, Adam, of Benton ,and Judy Maheu and her husband, Lynn, of Waterville; her nieces, Marla Poulin and her companion Craig Hathaway, of Oakland, and Pat Aspinall, of Florida, and her family; her nephew, Richard Moore and his wife, Sandy, of Rangeley, and family; many, many grandstepchildren; and lots of great-nieces and great-nephews.

A funeral service was held on Friday, February 21, with Pastor Steve Donahue officiating.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

MAYO A. COOKSON SR.

ALBION – Mayo Cookson, Sr., 81, of Albion, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at the MaineGeneral Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. He was the youngest of the nine children of Silas Lynlie Cookson and Lizzie Mae (Dow) Cookson. Mayo lived all his life in Albion, a dairy farmer for most of his years.

He was a 1957 graduate of Besse High School, in Albion. Like most farmers, he could fix anything himself with those big hands, from tractors and farm equipment to the construction of the homes in which he and his four children reside. He also worked for Scott Paper Company, in Winslow.

After retiring from farming with the National Farmers’ Organization, he continued as a field man with farming organizations such as NFO and Dairy Farmers of America for several years.

He was a lifelong member of the Odd Fellows, Albion’s IOOF #149.

He was predeceased by his wife, Edith (Overlock), in 2007.

Mayo is survived by his children, all of Albion: Mayo Jr. and his wife, April; Jeffrey Sr. and his wife, Becky; Mellissa Murray and her husband Jay; and Forrest and his wife, Joan; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Faye (Cookson) Pottle.

A celebration of life will be held at the Albion Christian Church, on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Benton Christian Church, 500 East Benton Rd., East Benton, Maine 04901; or to the Albion IOOF, Lodge #149, 22 Main St., Albion, ME 04910.

WILLIAM P. FISHER

OAKLAND – William P. Fisher, Sr., 93, died on Saturday, on January 4, 2020, in Waterville. He was born March 17, 1926, in Waterville. He was the son of the late Norman and Alice M. (Otis) Fisher.

William grew up in Oakland, Maine. He attended Oakland public schools and was employed for many years at the Cascade Woolen Mill, in Oakland. He was a member of Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church, in Oakland. Bill loved gardening, dancing and playing the harmonica. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. After retirement, he enjoyed wood working, making children furniture, rocking chairs and other custom items to order.

William is survived by seven of his children. William Fisher, Jr., of Winter Port, Bonnie Mindek and her husband Robert, of Boca Raton, Florida, Jeffrey Fisher, of Waterville, John Fisher and his wife Patricia, of Waterville, Dolores Krampitz and her husband Edwar of Plainville, Connecticut, Jolene Zerbe and her husband Kevi of Southington, Connecticut and Raymond Fisher and his wife Lind of Wallingford, Connecticut; three stepchildren, Scott Fisher, William Kelley and Amanda Kelley, all of Waterville; brother, Paul Fisher and his wife Norma, of Oakland; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great- great-grandchild.

William was predeceased by his wife of 30 years Elizabeth “Betty” (Folsom) Fisher; his son Kenneth Fisher and his first wife, Ernestine (McCorisson) Fisher; brother, Carl Fisher and his sister Helen Zimba.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Family and friends wishing to honor Bill may make a donation in William’s name to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

PETER A. VILES

OCALA, FLORIDA – Peter A. Viles, 79, of Ocala, Florida, formerly of Fairfield, died Wednesday, January 15, 2020. He was born March 5, 1940, in Lewiston, son of Dr. Wallace and Ruth (Dorr) Viles.

He grew up in Turner, graduating from Leavitt Institute in 1959. He graduated from the University of Maine in 1965. Peter began his teaching career in Patten, and then spent the rest of his career in School Administrative District #49, teaching at Clinton Elementary and Lawrence Junior High schools. He also coached basketball and baseball. He was a member of the Clinton Lions Club and worked with the Leo Club. He loved coaching and working with students!

Peter is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marie Terese (Martin); a son, Bruce Wallace and his partner, Kelly; a grandson, Shaden Peter; and many cousins.

Those wishing to make donations in his memory may do so to Hospice of Marion County, 3231 SW 34th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34474.

JOSEPH E. NOEL

WATERVILLE – Joseph Ernest Noel, 78, died Friday, January 17, 2020, at Togus VA Hospice, in Augusta, due to cancer. Joe was born on July 1, 1941, in Waterville, the son of Paul and Nellie (Haskell) Noel.

He grew up in Winslow, and then went into the U.S. Army for three years. For 28 years he worked at Kimberly-Clarke, in Winslow. Joe graduated from Winslow High School and was a graduate of barber school. He was a short order cook and truck driver.

Joe loved southern Gospel music. He was always singing, visiting the coast line, going out to eat, and going on long rides.

He is survived by his wife, Suzette, of over 23 years; a daughter, Amy and husband Bill Schouten, of Stockton Springs, son, Joe and wife Ginger Noel ,of Fayetteville, Georgia, son, Nate Noel, of El Paso, Texas; three stepchildren, Annette Campbell and Steve Haskell, of China, Dwayne and Amy Campbell, of Winslow, Tasha Vintinner, of Auburn; 13 grandchildren; one sister, Kathleen and husband Leo Binette, of Oakland, one brother, David Noel, of Oakland; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Nellie Noel; grandparents, Joseph and Rose Noel, grandparents, Ernest and Abbie Haskell; brother Ed Noel, sister-in-law, Avis Noel, sister-in-law, Donna Noel.

A spring celebration of life will be held at Centerpoint Community Church in Waterville. A private burial will be held at the old VA cemetery in Augusta, later.

MARY D. DAMREN

WATERVILLE – Mary “Violet” Doiron Gayne Damren, 87, passed peacefully at Woodlands, of Waterville, on Tuesday January 28, 2020. Violet was the daughter of Joseph “Alphonse” Doiron and Mary “Josephine” Doiron.

Violet was educated in the school system at Madison, and worked periodically in the shoe manufacturing industry but was primarily a homemaker.

Violet was married to Harold D. Gayne Jr until his death later marrying Francis E. Damren. Violet had eight children and enjoyed spending Sunday’s visiting with them.

Violet was predeceased by her parents Alphonse and Josephine Doiron, her husbands Harold D. Gayne Jr, and Francis E. Damren and two daughters Annette Marie Gayne and Candace Ann Gayne, brother Aquila J. Doiron and sisters Edith Doiron Mclaughlin and Yvonne Doiron Tozier.

Surviving Violet are six of her children Deborah Douglas and husband Roland, Susan Brochu and husband Al, David Gayne and wife Roberta, Deanna Perrault and husband David, Stephen Gayne and wife Sue and Holly Damren and fiancé Joe Kresge; grandchildren Michelle, Heather, Jason, Harold, Michael, Seth, Patrick, Katie, Anthony, Casiana, Josie and Thomas as well as great grandchildren Dj, Jonathan, Eli, Axton and Trent.

Burial to be in Forest Hill Cemetery in the spring 2020. At Mary’s request there will be no funeral or visitation hours.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

PAMELA K. POWNING

VASSALBORO – Pamela Kick Powning, 65, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2020. Pamela was born January 28, 1955, to William P. Kick and Patricia O’Neill, of Waterville.

She attended local schools, making and keeping many true friends here through the years whose love and support she was blessed with to the end. She broke loose to head west out of high school and worked variously as the housekeeper for the bassist for The Doors in Woodstock, New York, as a produce manager in a co-op in California and attended The College of the Redwoods and Humbolt University before returning home to Waterville in 1977. Pamela then busied herself with self employment bookkeeping with skills she learned on her dad’s knee at The Kennebec Valley Industrial Bank, at age 11, taking her business degree at The University of Maine Augusta, founding ABC Accounting, leasing to run Squaw Mountain Ski Resort, in Greenville, working in hospital administration as the vice president of Finance and at the New England Rehabilitation Hospital, reimbursement manager at MaineGeneral Medical Center, and finally as the founder and CEO of Pinnacle It, a software development company, in Waterville, in 1996. She was awarded Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce Maine Business Person of the year in 2012 with the success of her creation and her considerable civic contributions to the Waterville Development Corp., Homeless Shelter, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Opera House Renovation and Colby College International Host Family Program, all in Waterville.

Pamela met her husband David in 2014 on Match.com, retired her business in 2015, and married David in 2016. So kind and generous she is much beloved of the Powning tribe from New Brunswick, Canada to Maine, Florida, Nevada and California.

Pamela was a gifted water colorist, played guitar and piano and was an avid contra and ballroom dancer. Fearless in business, the world was no more a challenge: zip lining in Costa Rica, paragliding in Utah, skiing the Alps, mycological forays in Mexico, cruising the Carribean, ballroom dancing in Hong Kong, touring Europe and her favorite, Greece. This extraordinary woman, who so generously touched the lives of so many, will be much missed.

Pamela is survived by her mother, Patricia Kick, of Waterville, sisters, Cathy Langlais, of Winslow, Shelley Kick, of Waterville, and Kimberly Kick, of Augusta; niece, Amanda Garay and family, of Winslow, and nephews, Aidan and Christian Connelly and John William, all from far away.

She was predeceased by her father, William P. Kick and nephews, Christopher Langlais and Matthew Allen.

Visiting hours will be held at Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, in Waterville, on Friday February 28, 2020, from 6 – 8 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., in Waterville, at 11 a.m Following the service, a reception will be held at the church hall.

You are invited to offer your condolences and share fond memories with the family by visiting Pamela’s guestbook at: www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

A Service of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, Maine 04901. 872-7676

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Waterville Homeless Shelter.

FRANCIS MOSER

WATERVILLE – Francis “Buddy” Moser, 65, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at his home, in Waterville, Maine. Buddy was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, on January 9, 1955, the son of Arthur and Marie (Belles) Moser.

In 1979, he moved to Waterville to be with his first love and eventually start his family. He worked numerous jobs including Waterville Windows Company, Fort Halifax Poultry and Packing Co., both in Winslow, Cianbro Corps., in Pittfield, , the town of Fairfield, and his own odd job business.

Buddy was very craft-ful in making things out of wood and popsicle sticks. He enjoyed collecting baseball cards and antique glass bottles, cycling, camping, and fishing. He was a very avid handyman. He loved working odd jobs for friends and family and would never ask for anything in return.

Buddy was so proud of his “boys” and would brag about how accomplished they became to everyone he talked to. Known as “Pappy” to his grandbabies, they were his pride and joy. He enjoyed attending Hunter’s Karate tournaments, fishing with Lucas, coloring with Alyssa, and snuggling with Brady.

He was predeceased by both of his Parents, Arthur and Marie (Belles) Moser.

Buddy is survived by his two sons, Chris Moser and his partner, Sara Perry, and Cory and his wife, Alex Moser, all of Sidney; his four, grandchildren, Hunter, Lucas, Alyssa, and Brady; brother, Arthur “Artie” Moser; sister, Betty; half-sisters, Marty Labar and Linda Detwiler Rowley; and many extended family members in Pennsylvania.

Per Buddy’s wishes, there will be no services. A celebration of life will be planned at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations in “Buddy Moser’s” memory can be made to the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen, 70 Pleasant St., Waterville, ME 04901.

BARBARA J. DOW

WATERVILLE – Barbara “Barbie” Jean Dow, 53, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2020, at Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home, in Waterville. She was born March 13, 1966, in Pittsfield, the daughter of George Irving Dow and Beulah Ann (Norwood) Dow Woodbury.

She was educated in the schools of Waterville and graduated from Waterville Senior High School in 1997. She enjoyed drawing, arts and crafts, and studying the history of the Holocaust.

Barbara is survived by her son, Tony Joseph Dow; four sisters, Lisa Lindquist and husband David, of Oakland, Clarice Annie Woodbury and husband Joey, of Hartland, Robin Libby and husband Junior, of Bar Harbor, Marie Pinkham and husband Gordon, of St. Augustine, Florida; brother, Kenny Woodbury, of Massachusetts; many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 8, 2020, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Mount Saint Joseph’s Chapel, 7 Highwood Avenue, Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Barbie’s memory to the children’s section of your local library or school library or the Kidney Foundation of Maine, PO Box 1134, Portland, ME 04104.

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

LARRY A. BAILEY

CLINTON – Larry A. Bailey, 54, passed away at home on Monday, February 3, 2020, following a battle with cancer. The son of Donald C. Bailey and Shirley J. Bailey, he was born on October 23, 1965, in Boothbay Harbor.

Larry graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1984. Larry spent most of his adult life as a mill worker. Larry was employed at Huhtamaki, in Waterville, as a packer. He was a member of Waterville Elks and USW Union. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, disc golfing, going to the casino, playing cornhole, camping and spending time with family, friends and his grandchildren.

He was a lifelong Miami Dolphins and Boston Bruins fan.

Larry was predeceased by his father Donald Bailey Sr., and four brothers-in-law.

He is survived by his wife, Tammie Frappier Bailey, their two sons Dylan Bailey, of Clinton, Steven Rodrigue Jr., and daughter-in-law Javae Wood, of Clinton; two grandchildren Ryder Rodrigue and Raelyn Rodrigue; mother Shirley J. Bailey, of Clinton; mother-in-law Hazel Tardiff and husband Kevin Tardiff, of Fairfield; father-in-law Maurice Frappier Sr. and wife Glennis Frappier, of Waterville; and nine siblings; sisters, Brenda Libby and fiancé Ron Chipman, of Poland, Terry Ledford and husband Wayne Ledford, of Peoria, Arizona; brothers Donald Bailey Jr. and wife Arlene Bailey, of Rustburg, Virginia, Rodney Bailey and wife Debbie Bailey, of Sidney; brothers-in-law Moe Frappier Jr., of Canaan, Buddy Frappier, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister-in-law Heather Brickett and husband Shawn Brickett, of Fairfield; brothers-in-law, Scott Ward, of Livermore Falls, and Jamie Ward and wife Angela Ward, of Clinton; many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephew and cousins.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2020, at 1 p.m., at the East Benton Christian Church, 500 East Benton Rd., Benton, with Celebration of Life to follow. Facilitated by John Richards and Donald Bailey Jr.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Cancer Society, New England Division, One Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086-1240.

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

GARY BOYDEN

WATERVILLE – Gary Boyden, 67, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2020. He was born July 16, 1952, to Louise and Irving Boyden .

Gary loved the woods and sold firewood. He loved flowers and sold them on Main Street, in Fairfield. He worked shutdowns at Sappi Paper, in Hinckley, and was a member of the union.

He was a member of the Nazarene Church, in Fairfield. Also, Gary was a member of the Lions Club, in Oakland, and was a member of the Grange, in Fairfield Center. Gary had a wonderful heart and you only had to meet hin to know his caring spirit. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He really enjoyed going to concerts and attended many.

He is surviived by his brother David and wife Rebecca; also a niece and nephew, Benjamin, wife Shelby, and Kristen Boyden, husband Adam Woodbury; a great-niece and nephews, Garrett and Finnley Woodbury and Bridget and Jameson Boyden. Also he leaves behind many cousins, aunts.

He is predeceased by his parents.

A graveside service is planned for the spring.

HELEN B. BRIDGES

OAKLAND – Helen Bucknam Bridges, 79, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020, following a brief illness. Born and raised in Oakland, she was the daughter of John and Gladys Bucknam.

She married her high school sweetheart, Robert H Bridges, on May 12, 1962. They had celebrated their 50th year of marriage when Bob passed away in 2013.

A graduate of Williams High School, in Oakland, Helen worked at the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, until the birth of her children, when she became a stay at home mom. Upon her youngest entering kindergarten, she became a dishwasher, a cook and finally the director of school nutrition for the Messalonskee School District. She spent 30-plus years in the Messalonskee kitchen and had a hand in the design of the kitchen and cafeteria as it stands today. It was one of her biggest joys to feed her community’s children and school staff. Along with her husband Bob, she spent many afternoons passing out her home-made whoopie pies and milk to the Eagles football teams as they came up the field from their practices.

Helen and Bob spent their retirement years as snowbirds, winters in Summerfield, Florida, and summers in Oakland. Upon Bob’s passing, Helen remained in Maine to spend as much time as she could with family. Her happiest moments were when her children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren came for a visit. As visits would end, her family would say “Love You” and she would respond “Love You More.”

She cherished the years she lived with her son, Ronald, and her two grandchildren, Grace and Emmet. When she moved in with her daughter, Lauryl, she missed seeing them every day, but had also been excited about her new home. Every visitor had to see her master bedroom suite with the rather large walk-in shower that her daughter had installed for her.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Lauryl Bridges, of Oakland; her sons, Jeffrey Bridges and his wife, Tammy, and Ronald Bridges, all of Kingsbury Plantation; her grandchildren, Lauren Bridges Beveridge and her husband, Josh, Michael Bridges and his fiancé, Arian, Jessica Bridges and Meaghan, Hannah Thibault and her fiancé, Chris, Grace Bridges and Emmet Bridges; her great-grandchildren, Kody, Noah and Carter Bridges, Josephine Beveridge and Henry Robert Bridges; her brothers, Robert Bucknam and his wife, Sandra, Ronald Bucknam and his wife, Bonnie, and David Bucknam and his wife, Estelle; her brother-in-law, Wayne Weeks; her sister-In-law, Joan Bucknam; her nieces, Wanda Weeks Heim, Tina Pelletier, Jessica Bucknam-Graten and Sarah Weeks-Weston; her brother-in-law, Keith Bridges and his wife, Sharon; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces.

Helen was predeceased by husband, Robert H Bridges; her son, Timothy; her grandson, Ethan; her mother and father, John and Gladys Bucknam; her brother, John Bucknam, Jr; her sister, Joyce Pelletier and her husband, Leonard; her brother, Steven “Bucky” Bucknam; her twin sister, Ellen Weeks; her niece, Barbara Pelletier; and her nephew, Gary Bucknam.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for the spring.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

ERLINE I. HENDSBEE

CHELSEA – Erline I. Hendsbee, 87, of Chelsea, died Friday, February 7, 2020, at her home. She was born in East Benton on July 14, 1932, the daughter of Ralph and Catherine (Thompson) Haskell.

She grew up in East Benton and attended school.

Erline enjoyed spending time with friends and family weather it was visiting at her house or going out to eat. She was a homemaker and she took pride in caring for her family and including taking in boarders into her home. Erline was a great lover of the Lord. She attended the Kennebec Valley Assembly of God Church.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband John Hendsbee; daughter Diane Hendsbee; and sister Madline Burns.

Erline is survived by two children, David Hendsbee, Pam Field and husband Robert, all of Chelsea; five grandchildren, Rick, Tim and Chris Hendsbee, of Levant and Bangor, Steve and Ryan Field, of Chelsea and Farmingdale; 11 great-grandchildren; a special daughter-in-law Rhonda Hendsbee; sister Darlene Hulett, of Widnsor.

A graveside service will be held in the Spring at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta.

Arrangements are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, Maine.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

LEROY E. STEWART

UNITY/Bangor – Leroy E. Stewart, 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2020, at his home, in Bangor. Roy was born July 2, 1939, in Brewer, the son of Roy H. and Hilda (Saunders) Stewart.

Roy was a 1958 graduate of Brewer High School, where he was an outstanding athlete on both the football and basketball teams. During his senior year, Roy was a proud member and co-captain of the 1957 Brewer High School State Champion football team, selected to the All-State football team, and also a delegate to Dirigo Boys State.

After graduation, Roy enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1959 and during the same year married his beloved wife, the former Gail L. Strang, a Brewer High School classmate. During those years in the Air Force, Roy worked as a pharmacy technician which fueled his passion for the profession. Upon his discharge in 1962, Roy and Gail settled in Arlington, Massachusetts, where Roy attended Massachusetts College of Pharmacy (MCP) earning a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. Roy graduated in 1968 from MCP and moved back to his home state of Maine. Thereafter, Roy purchased Unity Pharmacy, formerly known as Reed’s Drug Store, in Unity. He spent 33 years as a well-respected local pharmacist known for his strong work ethic, caring demeanor, and outstanding moral character.

Roy was an avid golfer, spending countless hours trying to perfect his swing. He also enjoyed fishing expeditions with his many friends. His most memorable fishing trips were the fly-ins into Henderson Pond with his children, grandchildren, and long-time friend, Reynold “Frenchie” Plourde. Roy was a G-scale model train enthusiast. He transformed the entire second floor of their home into a dream model railroad consisting of over 150 feet of track, concentrating on replicating the old Eastern Pulp and Paper Mill, in South Brewer.

Roy was an active and dedicated Mason. He became a Master Mason at Star In The West Lodge #85, in Unity, on December 28, 1970. During his masonic journey, he served as the junior and senior warden, junior and senior deacon, chaplain, a member of the finance committee, as mentor to new and current members, widows orogram coordinator, secretary, and master. Roy held many of those positions several times over the past 42 years. He was also a member of Siloam Lodge #92, in Fairfield, and the 12th Masonic District Masters and Wardens Association.

Roy was predeceased by his parents; and one nephew, Richard A. Green.

Roy is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gail; four children, Roy Eric Stewart (Janet), Chicago, Illinois, Jennifer L. Fowler (Gary), Thorndike, Timothy B. Stewart (Michelle), Apex, North Carolina, Stephanie G. Biberstein (William), Hermon, and three daughters-in-law, Tammy, Michelle, and Jamie; nine grandchildren, Ian, Connor, and Christopher Stewart; Jordan and Alexandra Fowler; Caitlin and Morgan Stewart; Nicholas and Jacob Biberstein; two great-grandsons, Lincoln and Landon Stewart; one sister, Sandra J. Green (Jeffrey), Orrington, one brother, Richard J. Stewart (Jeanne), Hutchinson, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service is planned for this spring at the family lot in Unity.

Messages of condolences and memories may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.

Those who wish to remember Roy in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Star In The West Lodge #85, P.O. Box 577, Unity, ME 04988-0577.