OBITUARIES for Thursday, December 4, 2025

BEATRICE M. VLODEK

WATERVILLE – Beatrice Marie Vlodek, 104, passed away Thursday, November 13, 2025, quietly at her Water­ville home; where she has lived since 1950. She was born the daughter of John “Johnny” Bouffard and Marie Alma (Labonte) Bouffard, in Compton, Québec, October 23, 1921.

At the young age of 3, her family left Compton, Québec, and moved to Rumford. During World War II she went to work in a munitions factory in Bridgeport, Connecticut. This was where she met her husband, Edward V. Vlodek. They were wed on July 28, 1946, in Rumford. In 1949, they moved to Waterville, where they opened their business “Yardgoods Center”. Beatrice “Bea” was active in the business until her death. Edward “Eddie” was known for his vibrant salesman personality while Bea managed the financials.

Beatrice was a member of the Notre Dame Catholic Church, Corpus Christi Parish, and a friend of the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament and the Oratory St. Joseph.

As a mother, mémère, great-grandmother, she led a very active and joyful life interacting with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Kenneth Vlodek, daughter-in-law, Sally Vlodek; daughter, Joyce Vlodek Atkins; son-in-law, Scott Atkins; grandchildren Amy Marie Atkins-Robitaille and husband Joe, Kevin Atkins and wife Chanterelle, Julie Rose Atkins-Wangen and husband Rick, Fred Berren, husband of the late Jody Vlodek Berren; great-grandchildren, Colby and Brooke Berren, Owen and Lily Robitaille, Eddie, River and Keven Atkins Jr.

Beatrice was predeceased by her husband, Edward Vlodek; sisters Cecile, Ernestine, Alice, Marie-Adeline and Gilberte, her brothers Peter, Wilfred and Albert Bouffard; her daughter-in-law, Sandy Foster Vlodek; and granddaughter, Jody Vlodek Berren.

In celebration of her life, a funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m., Saturday December 6, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, 101 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901.

MARK G. BLACKLER

JEFFERSON – Mark Geoffrey Blackler, 62, suddenly passed on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in Eddington, as a result of an automobile accident. Mark was born March 10, 1963, in Damariscotta, to Ronald Francis Blackler and Louise Mae Boggs Blackler.

Mark attended local schools and was a member of the graduating class of 1981 at Medomak Valley High School.

Mark worked at Bath Iron Works for ten years before his occupation as a builder for Scott Pearson. He went on to start his own business, Mark Blackler Carpentry, where he built homes for many years until he retired. Outside of work, Mark loved playing his guitar. He also enjoyed riding his Harley in the summer months and snowmobiling throughout the winter. In fact, Mark was a member of several snowmobile clubs throughout the state of Maine and Canada.

Mark was well known for his humor and infectious smile. He was extremely likeable, spontaneous, witty, clever, charismatic, and had a ‘work hard, play harder’ approach to life. Mark had the most impressive craftsmanship and the ability to build anything while paying attention to every detail.

He was predeceased by his son, Lance; parents, Ronald and Louise Blackler; his brothers, Gary Blackler and Gordon Blackler; mother-in-law, Doris Robinson; father-in-law, Prescott Lord, and his “nephew”, Kevin Martin.

Mark is survived by his wife, Tamara (Robinson) Blackler, of Jefferson; sons, Brooks Blackler and his wife Reilly, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, Brock Blackler, of Jefferson; sisters, Barbara Lacount and her husband Donald, of Oakland, Jane B. Lary and her husband Steve, of Topsham; brother, Greg Blackler, of Waldoboro; sisters-in-law, Laurie Robinson, of Jefferson, Susan Blackler, of Warren, Lucille Blackler, of South Thomaston, Linda Blackler-Ludwick, of Waldoboro, Roger Gilbert, of Jefferson, Larry Sprowl, of Chesapeake, Virginia, Linda Rice-Minzy, of Warren; nieces and nephews, Christa, Todd E., Gabe, Amy, Adam, Todd B., Jason, Gregory, Scott, Bryan, Joey, Danielle, Isaac, and Amanda, cousins in California and Massachusetts, and aunts and uncles.

The service to celebrate Mark’s life was held at 11 a.m., on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Hall Funeral Home. Burial followed in the Riverside Cemetery, in Waldoboro.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Waldoboro. Condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.hallfuneralhomes.com.

CAROLYN I. VARNERIN

SIDNEY – Carolyn Inez Austin Varnerin, 87, of Sidney, passed away at MaineGeneral Medical Center, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. She was born, in Pittsfield, on March 29, 1938, to Carold Isreal Austin and Dorothy Drew Austin.

Carolyn graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in 1956. After high school Carolyn was a woman with varying career interests. She worked at the Maine State Police Barracks, Stevens Girl School, and Togus VA Hospital as a cook. She also sold insurance for Prudential later in her career, where she received numerous awards for her salesmanship. Carolyn’s favorite position was working in her granddaughter’s childcare center when she was in her 70s. She was known to all the children in the center as Daycare Grammy.

Her biggest joys in life were her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Carolyn was an avid reader and bird watcher. She also loved to cook and felt no one could match her culinary skills. Pie making was one of her passions, she turned her piemaking hobby into a side business selling pies to Wicked Good Restaurant, located in Augusta.

Carolyn thoroughly enjoyed time spent on the ocean, she enjoyed camping at campgrounds, riding snowmobiles and motorcycles with her husband and family.

On March 18, 1977, Carolyn married Jeffrey D. Varnerin, the love of her life.

Carolyn’s favorite role was that of a grandparent. She treasured her time with her grandchildren and loved being their grandparent. Whether she was sitting in the stands at one of their sporting events, hosted countless sleepovers at Grammy’s house, and cooking goodies with her grandchildren.

Carolyn is survived by her husband of 48 years, Jeffrey D. Varnerin; her five children, Deborah and Ricki Pomerleau, of Belgrade, Carol and Donald Bean, of Augusta, Jered Carr, of Chicago, Illinois, Catherine and Karl Dostie, of Gardiner, Michael Varnerin, of Augusta; grandchildren, Megan Carr Martin, Chelsee Bean, Darren Bean, Courtney Pomerleau, Whitley Dostie, Jacob Lennon, and Bradley Lennon; great-grandchildren, Abigail Bucknam, Austin Bucknam, Jayden Hutchins, Morgan Lawrence, Zoey Bean, and Fiona Martin; her sisters, Gail Skelton, of Richmond, and Nancy Austin, of Sarasota, Florida; and former daughter-in-law, Tanya Lennon, of Albion.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her infant son David Carr, her parents Carold and Dorothy Austin, her siblings Bernard Austin, Barclay Austin, Douglas Austin, twin wisters Jean and Jane Austin, Meredith Latlip, and Virginia Burgess.

Carolyn’s family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date.

ROBERT J. GRENIER

WATERVILLE – Robert J. Grenier, 76, of Waterville, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Born May 9, 1949, in Waterville, the third oldest of 11 children, the family lived between Maine and California in his young life.

Bobby enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1969, he served two tours in the Vietnam war as a combat engineer building bridges-where he earned a Purple Heart. After being injured he came back to Maine wounded but not broken.

Bobby was a third generation flooring contractor taught by his father and opened a very successful flooring company – GCFD Inc. which meant two things- Grenier’s Classic Flooring & Design and God Can Fulfill Dreams. He shared his many talents with everyone he encountered often pushing harder to get the job done. His work ethic was meticulous. While working many residential and commercial jobs during his career he taught the trade to his children and many others. Working side by side both of his daughters at various times.

Bobby’s passion for sunshine, travel and the beach led him to many places but most importantly, one of his favorite places, Myrtle Beach. The Beach Cove resort in Myrtle Beach was his happy place, where he enjoyed picking seashells, long walks on the beach, and camping with his daughter Hope in her younger years.

In his later years, once retired from his successful flooring business, he spent the last four years using his talents and custom designs to renovate houses with his daughter Sarah. Often leaving a little bit of himself in each house with built-in shelves or a beam with handmade dowels. One very special renovation was the camp they purchased on Webber Pond that they designed together and worked tirelessly on. There he enjoyed sitting by the water, boat rides, time with family, and a good BBQ.

Bobby was always the star of the show whether it was rolling up in his convertible, a.k.a “The Sporty” with his American flags flying on the back, and blues music blasting, or pulling up in his truck hauling some kind of equipment.

Bobby was a natural teacher who motivated everyone around him to learn more and push harder with a favorite phrase “I got the Power”! He taught his daughters and grandchildren to play chess all at very young ages and also hand crafted chess boards with tile. His prized possession was his Fat Boy Harley Davidson motorcycle that had a custom paint job of a chess game in check mate with a perfectly matching license plate “ChkMate”. He loved to ride his Harley all over, from Maine to Myrtle Beach and then some. In his spare time, he enjoyed the views at camp, wood working on his lathe, making unique custom designs, building special “pockets” or recessed picture shelving in his dream house, driving the Bobcat or skid-steer, clearing trees out back, photography, attending Hope’s sporting events, renovating houses with Sarah, spending time with his grandchildren, watching the fire place, puttering around the warehouse, or listening to Blues – specifically BB King or Beth Hart and showing off some moves.

No job was too big or challenge too hard, he made things happen regardless. He was never afraid of anything, always strong and brave. He’d give the shirt off his back for anyone and was uplifting anyone who would listen. The word “can’t” wasn’t in his vocabulary. If there was a will , there was a way. Bobby made a lasting impression on everyone he met and had many long lasting friendships that extended decades. He was very well known and respected in his community.

He wore many hats and had many nicknames. Bobby G, Bumble, Stumble Bumble, Wobbly Bobbly, Daddy Bobbles to name a few, but the best name of all was Dad. He was a girl dad through and through always making sure his girls were okay.

He was predeceased by his parents Gloria and Real Grenier, siblings Jimmy and David Grenier, Patti Cohen and his beloved Stacey McDonald, a dear extended family member.

He is survived by his daughters and their families; Sarah Lee Donnell or “Queen Bee”, son-in-law Jason Donnell and grandson Mason, and Hope Angel Dube-Grenier and granddaughter Kamariah Lee-Angel; honorary daughter, Ashley Sweet; son, Dan Grenier and granddaughter Kate Grenier; siblings Daniel, Mark, Jeff, Stevie, and Richard Grenier, Donna Cryder and Carol Cummings.

Please join the family for Bobby’s final tour of duty at Governor’s Restaurant, in the Capital Room, in Waterville, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from noon – 3 p.m.

JOSEPH BOURGOIN

WATERVILLE – Joseph Bourgoin, 80, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Togus VA Medical Center, in Augusta. Joe was born on October 28, 1945, in Waterville, to Edmond and Albertine (Berube) Bourgoin.

Known fondly as “Cowboy” to those who grew up with him in Central Maine, Joe will be remembered for his big heart, booming laugh, and unwavering devotion to his family, especially his wife of 26 years, Carol. Together, they shared countless adventures, traveling to Alaska, exploring national parks, and journeying through Europe. Everywhere they went, they made new friends, collected cherished memories, and returned home with stories Joe loved sharing with those he held dear.

He graduated from Waterville High in 1964 and soon after joined the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, serving in Alaska. After returning home, Joseph worked at Chinet (now Huhtamaki) before heading west to California with a friend. There, he worked at Northrup Grumman as a fabricator on the B-2 bomber, forming friendships he maintained for years to come. After a decade in California – and a large earthquake – Cowboy returned home to Central Maine, where he enjoyed spending time with his sons and their families. In 1996, Carol (Fall) finally got him to notice her, and they were married in 1999. Joe later worked for various roofing companies and eventually retired as a maintenance worker at KVCC (Kennebec Valley Community College).

Joseph loved staying active and had a knack for turning hobbies into full-blown passions. He worked out consistently at local gyms and played golf with his sons, family, friends, and grandson. The Golf Channel was a permanent fixture on TV. During his California years, he was an avid cyclist, a love he continued after returning to Maine. Later in life, he took great pride in nurturing his vegetable gardens, especially his tomatoes and jalapeños. The local groundhogs were his sworn rivals, and though they sometimes claimed victory, he never stopped fighting the good fight. When he wasn’t outside or on the move, Joe was a voracious reader who remembered details from every book and happily recounted them long after he turned the last page. But above all else, Joe cherished time with family. A lively sports match, a shared meal, and the sound of joy and laughter were his idea of a perfect day.

Joe was predeceased by his parents and brother Gene and his wife Nancy, brother Raymond, brother Edwin and wife Sandra, sister Delores Gould and husband Bert, sister Jackie Tardiff and husband Jimmy, brother Ronald, sister Charlene Poulin, brother David (Beau), and sister-in-law Libby Bourgoin.

Joseph is survived by his wife Carol; his sons Eric (Laurie) Bourgoin and Jimmy (MaryBeth) Bourgoin; his stepdaughters Laura Leslie (Stephan Gafford) and Allison Barry (Kris); his siblings, Pat Gurney (Eddie) and Donald Bourgoin; sisters-in-law, Carlene Bourgoin, Rachel Bourgoin, and Denise Bourgoin; and his brother-in-law, Francis Poulin; grandchildren, Conner Bourgoin, JoAnn Bourgoin, Lindsey Dale (Jonathan), Morgan Bourgoin (Jessica), Acadia Gafford, August Gafford, Arden Gafford, Ashton Gafford and a special foster baby; two great-grandsons, Wyatt and Warren Dale.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 10 a.m., at Veilleux Redington Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, located at 8 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine. There will be a light lunch and visiting afterward. There will be an interment at the Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta, in the spring.

Services are under the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com

Donations in Joseph’s memory may be made to Waterville Area Soup Kitchen (WASK), P.O. Box 1494, Waterville, ME 04903.

CHARLES L. McDONALD

PALERMO– Charles Leroy McDonald, 82, formerly of Chelsea and for the last 20 years of Palermo, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Born in Gardiner on June 22, 1943, Charlie was the son of Erma Vannah and Fred McDonald.

Charlie moved to Palermo to be close to his beloved grandchildren, a choice that brought him great joy in his later years.

He grew up in a large family and, upon reaching adulthood, chose to serve his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1963, serving proudly for five years before receiving an honorable discharge in 1968.

Shortly after his military service, Charlie began working at the state hospital, where he met the love of his life, Donna. They married in June 1966 and built a family together, celebrating 59 years of marriage.

Charlie went on to work at VA Togus, in Augusta, for 30 years. He also served in the Maine National Guard with the 152nd Maintenance Unit, retiring as a Staff Sergeant after 17 years of dedicated service. Retirement, however, was never in his nature. Charlie continued to work part-time for the Drug Enforcement Agency, and later at the Augusta Armory, a position he enjoyed greatly until his official retirement in September 2021 due to Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia.

Even after more than 60 years of hard work, Charlie stayed active. He found joy in camping, ice fishing, and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. He was deeply involved with the Ancient Ones, spending countless hours with his grandson Dillon at events and reenactments. At home, Charlie was always repairing, snowplowing, or puttering in the garage – he enjoyed staying busy and building things with his own hands.

Charlie will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his deep love for family, great sense of humor and vivacious laugh. His legacy lives on in all who knew and loved him.

Charlie was a proud member of the Malcolm Glidden American Legion Post #163, in Palermo, Dirigo Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M.  #104, and a member of The Ancient Ones of Maine.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 59 years, Donna E. McDonald, of Palermo; his daughter Becky Ann, of Palermo; his son Chris McDonald and his wife Sandy, of Oakland; three grandchildren, Renee, Dillon, and Rachel; and two great-grandchildren, Aubrey Rose and Brian Scott; his sister-in-law Theresa Folsom and her husband Steve; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd.,Windsor, ME 04363.

A private family burial will follow in Chelsea.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Charlie’s name may be considered to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

WILLIAM E. LANKIST JR.

CHINA – William E. Lankist Jr., 91, died Saturday, November 29, 2025, at his home following a brief illness. He was born in Dover-Foxcroft, on September 29, 1934, a son of the late William L. Lankist, Sr. and Hilda (Priest) Lankist.

Mr. Lankist was a self-employed small engine mechanic for most of his life.

He was pre-deceased by his two wives: Georgette (Gagnon) Lankist and Darlene (Reynolds) Lankist and his three brothers: Frank, Edward and Kenneth Lankist.

Mr. Lankist is survived by his partner, Ruth Fuller, of China; a daughter, Tammy Bailey, of China; a step-daughter, Sharon Lewis, of Benton; a Foster Child, Dana Charette, of Lisbon; special friends: Sheldon Goodine, Woody Dorval and Darrin and Judy Daigneault as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no public visiting hours or funeral service. A graveside service will be held in the spring.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Rte. 32, Windsor, ME, 04363.

Condolences, photos and stories can be shared through the funeral home website at: www.plummerfh.com.