OBITUARIES for Thursday, February 17, 2022

REGINALD A. FERRAN

WATERVILLE – Reginald A. Ferran, 40, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 22, 2022, from an accident at his home, in Waterville. He was born, in Waterville, on February 15,1981, to Reggie and Judy Ferran.

Being raised in Winslow until the age of eight and then moving to China, he had attended both Winslow and China Elementary and then graduating from Waterville High School.

Reggie worked at J&S oil gas station as a teenager, then moving on to being a subcontractor for a small Satellite Company, in Winslow. Working endless jobs to find his life career, Uncle Bo Ferran stepped in and hired him to work for Granite Corp., of Oakland, where he trained to become an HVAC technician. He was considered a “Mastermind” as an HVAC technician.

In 2008, Reggie became a daddy to his first child; a daughter, Delana Teresa and then in 2010, he had a son, Layne Albert.

The one thing “Coona” loved more than his career was being a dad to his babies. He had many plans for both of his children and their future. He was so proud of his accomplishments, buying his first house in 2011. He enjoyed the simple life; gardening in his back yard, camping, hiking and just taking rides, to view the scenery around China Lake.

He had a purpose in this world, and it was to touch the lives of anyone who met him. Even though, he also had that sarcastic way about him, if he made fun of you and totally insulted you, it was because he truly liked you. A total boundary stepper, but he did it all in good fun, and would laugh at his own jokes, which in turn, you couldn’t help but laugh, too, even if you didn’t understand the joke.

Reggie was predeceased by his parents, Reggie and Judy Ferran; his paternal grandparents, Albert and Theresa Ferran; and uncles, Charles Coolbroth, Michael Herring and Jerry Herring.

He is survived by his two children, Delana and Layne Ferran; his two sisters, Danette Hotham, of China, and Jaimie Thomas, of Augusta; three nieces, Britany Pelletier, of Sidney, Hannah Whitaker, of Augusta, Alicia Hotham, of China; two nephews, Anthony Hotham, of Windsor, and Kaleb Thomas, of Augusta; two great-nephews, Levi Hotham and baby Jax Pelletier; and a “stepdad” Craig Taylor.

A celebration of the life of Reggie “Coona” Ferran will take place on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at the MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, in Winslow, from 2 – 6 p.m. The buffet will be set up at 4 p.m., where the family will take that time to give anyone who would like to tell stories of their experiences with Reggie, that opportunity. The cash bar will be open downstairs and can be paid for and then brought up to the event hall, but no outside liquor of any kind is permitted. If you have a favorite band T-shirt, please wear it, as he was a Rock/metal enthusiast.

ROBERT J. DEROSBY

WATERVILLE – Robert J. Derosby, 82, passed away at his home on Friday, January 28, 2022. He was born on January 11, 1940, in Waterville, to Roland and Aurelie Levasseur Derosby, along with brothers David and Armand Derosby.

Known to his family and friends as Bob, he joined the Marines at the age of 21, rising to the ranks of master sergeant. He served two tours in Vietnam before marrying his wife, Selwa Jurdak, while stationed in Paris Island, South Carolina. Upon returning to Maine in 1971, Bob was a Marine Corps recruiter in Aroostook County and then later in Waterville, where he formally retired from the military in December 1981.

Bob Derosby went on to open Valor Enterprise, Inc., a small business that provided the government and military with various items, such as clocks, plaques, coins, and trophies. Finally, after 25 years, Bob retired due to ill health, though he couldn’t sit still. So he came out of retirement to work for Northeast Labs, in Winslow, finally retiring for good at the age of 80.

Bob was quick-witted, good-natured, and made all those around him feel welcome and loved. He was the first in line to do anything for anyone, never accepting payment or praise. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends in his later years, driving (though he probably shouldn’t have), and buying coffees with way too much cream.

He is survived by his wife and partner of almost 55 years, Sally; his four children, Craig, Stacy, Alan, and Keith, and their respective partners; and his eight grandchildren, Nicholas, Zoe, Isabel, Lucas, Juliana, Sofia, Keene, and Emilia.

A celebration of Bob’s life is planned for Saturday, February 19, at 10 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Maronite Church, Front St., in Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Maronite Church, in Waterville.

WALLACE R. EMERSON

WATERVILLE – Wallace Rene Emerson, 90, of Waterville, passed away on Monday, January 31, 2022. He was born in Fairfield on March 26, 1931, the son of Albion I. and Alfreda M. (Rainey) Emerson.

On March 4, 1983, Wallace married Jane Burgess, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Waterville. He was a member of Corpus Christie Parish, Waterville

While growing up he worked with his second cousins at the Bushey Farm on the Ten Lots Road, Oakland. After graduating high school, Wallace worked as a machine operator for Hollingsworth and Whitney Paper Company, in Winslow. At the age of 18, Wallace entered the U.S. Air Force for a two-year enlistment. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, Wallace returned to Hollingworth and Whitney Paper Company and worked through ownership changes of Scott Paper Co. and retired from Kimberly Clark Paper Company. After retiring, Wallace volunteered at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Seton Campus, for over 10 years.

Wallace and Jane loved to travel aboard the Amtrak trains throughout Canada. They took the Canadian railways to the Canadian Rockies. He loved to golf and exercised three times a week.

He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Gerald A. and Richard E. Emerson; niece, Patricia Emerson.

Wallace is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jane B. Emerson; several nieces and nephews; and great-niece and great-nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial and burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, in Waterville, will be held in the spring.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com

BLYNN L. ESTES JR.

OAKLAND – Blynn Leroy Estes Jr., 58, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 31, 2022, at home, following a battle with cancer. He was born in Waterville November 28, 1963, the eldest son of Elaine Bickford Perry and Blynn Estes Sr.

He attended schools in Nashua, New Hampshire, and graduated in 1981.

Blynn spent most of his working career in the construction field. He worked for 30 years with Sheridan Construction, in Fairfield, followed by a short stint at Newman Construction, then several years at Ganneston Construction, after which he found a position at Unity College as grounds and custodial manager until he could no longer work.

Blynn was a member of the United Bikers of Maine. He loved his children and grandchildren and his favorite thing to do was spend time with them.

He also enjoyed riding his Harley listening to his vast music collection, getting new tattoos, going to numerous concerts with his kids and playing his guitars. He was also a New England Patriots and Boston Bruins fan.

Blynn loved to collect comic books, guitars, drums, records, CDs, movies and books.

Blynn was predeceased by step-parents Joseph Perry, of Oakland, and Marianne Estes, of New Hampshire, his paternal grandparents Pearl and Leroy Estes, of Oakland, and maternal grandparents, Leople and Linton Bickford, of Oakland.

He is survived by his parents, Elaine (Bickford) Perry, of Oakland, and Blynn Estes Sr., of New Hampshire; his four children, daughter Jasmine Estes and her fiancé Christopher Merrow, of Sidney, and three sons, Logan Estes and his wife Felicia, of Wilton, Randy Frappier and Gage Estes, of Oakland; grandchildren, Ayden Estes, Tory Estes, Elijah Estes, Malachi Estes, Freya Estes-Knowles and Ivy-Lynn Estes; brothers, Chad Estes and his wife Michelle, of Clinton, Kevin Estes and his wife Gretchen, of Missouri, and sister Karen Estes, of Winslow; and many nieces and nephews, including his special nephew Michael Estes, of Clinton.

A celebration of life was held February 12, at the Trafton Road event room, 255 Trafton Road, in Waterville.

Cremation arrangements are by Mid Maine Cremation Services 453-6006.

MARJORIE L. HARRINGTON

WATERVILLE – Marjorie “Margie” L. (Lashus) Harrington, 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. She was born April 16, 1929, in Winslow, the daughter of Robert and Hazel (Taylor) Lashus.

Margie was a 1946 graduate of Winslow High School and president of her senior class. She married William Harrington on May 24, 1947, and together they raised five children. Margie worked at Keyes Fibre Company, in Waterville, for 30 years, retiring in 1991. She made many good friends along life’s journey.

She is survived by her children, Gail Agee, Robert Harrington, Kathy Cote, Kellie and David Mingus; her four grandsons; one granddaughter; and two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husband, William Harrington; son, Michael Harrington; sons-in-law, John Agee and John Cote; sisters, Jean Gagnon and Patricia Marsh.

At Margie’s request, there will be no visitation hours or funeral service. A graveside service will be held in the spring 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.

LYNWOOD G. ALEXANDER

UNITY – Lynwood Gerald Alexander, 80, passed away on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at Woodlands Memory Care, in Lewiston. Lynwood was born in Freedom, the son of the late Arthur and Helen (Gerald) Alexander, on November 20, 1941.

Lynwood married his wife, Marie (Kenney) Alexander, on June 3, 1961. Lynwood and Marie lived in Unity for most of their lives. His favorite past times were playing tricks on his grandkids and vice versa, going on long drives through the countryside, fishing, visiting yard sales, antique cars, Saturday morning breakfast with his sister and her husband, and most of all, spending time with his wife.

Lynwood is survived by his wife, Marie; his sons Chris (Wendy), of Brushton, New York, Craig (Laurie), of Hamden, and Paul, of Clinton; his grandchildren Ashley (Owen) Vaughan, of Brushton, New York, Benjamin (Lydia) Alexander, of Sidney, Sarah (Will) Cote, of Pittsfield, and Stacey Jo (Mike) Cianchette, of Pittsfield; his great-grandchildren Hoyt and Abilene Vaughan, of Brushton, New York, Charlie and Clayton Alexander, of Sidney, Logon and Taylor Cote, of Pittsfield; his siblings Judy (Jerry) Trundy, of Waterville, and Brenda (Roger) Drew, of Unity, his sister-in-law, Colleen Alexander, of Garrison, North Dakota; his brother-in-law, James (Joan) Kenney, of Homosassa, Florida; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-nieces, and nephews.

Lynwood was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Helen Alexander; and his brother, Arthur Alexander Jr.

A memorial service will be announced later.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

EDMOND J. ROY

WINSLOW – Edmond Joseph Roy, 90, passed away on Thursday, February 3, 2022, in Augusta. He passed just 64 days after his wife of 71 years, Priscilla Roy, had pass­ed. Edmond was born in Waterville on August 5, 1931, son of the late Peter and Amanda Roy. He grew up in Waterville.

Edmond worked for Pratt & Whitney, the Carpenters Union, Hollingsworth & Whitney Paper Co., in Winslow, and Huhtamaki (formerly Keyes Fibre Co.), in Waterville, where he worked for 30 years in the machine shop. He retired in 1992.

Edmond loved the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, who loved to fly-fish. He even tied his own flies and made his own fly rods. He took a lot of pride in doing that. His favorite place to fish was at Moosehead Lake. He also loved to go hunting with his sons. Edmond and Priscilla would rent a camp on Moosehead once a year when they were younger.

He enjoyed watching sports on TV, particularly the Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots. He also enjoyed watching his sons play hockey. In Edmond’s later years, he liked to watch his grandsons play hockey. Edmond and Priscilla loved playing cards with family and friends. Every fall they drove throughout Maine and New Hampshire to enjoy foliage.

Edmond is survived by his son Stephen Roy and daughter-in-law Marta; his daughter Mary Ann Wise and son-in-law Bill; his son Paul Roy; his son Michael Roy and daughter-in-law Cindy; seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren; his sister Gloria Bernier; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial for both Edmond and Priscilla will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow, Maine 04901.

Burial will be held in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville, Maine.

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

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

MAURICE J. BARD

FAIRFIELD – Maurice J. Bard, 78, of Fairfield, passed away on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at home, following a courageous ten-year battle with Leu­kemia. Mau­rice was born on August 22, 1943, in Fort Kent, son of Alcide and Cecile (Robichaud) Bard, one of 12 children.

He attended Waterville schools and graduated from Waterville High School in 1962. Maurice married the love of his life, Barbara (Rowe) Bard in August 1963. They went on to raise five children.

As a teenager Maurice worked at the Jefferson Hotel, in Waterville, starting as a prep cook and then as a cook on the Chinese side of the restaurant for a short time. He then landed a job at Waterville Auto Painters prepping vehicles; when that closed, he moved on to David Mathieu Co., in Waterville, training to be an auto body technician. In the Spring of 1966, Maurice went to work for Keyes Fibre Co., in Waterville. In August 1967, Maurice decided to pursue his own business opening Maurice’s Auto Body Shop, in Fairfield. Later his wife Barbara joined him in the business as a bookkeeper and office manager.

Maurice served on the school board at SAD #49 from 1976 to 1982. He also served several years on the advisory committee for Mid-Maine Technical Center. He also was chairman of the maintenance committee at Lake Henry Estates, in Florida.

After 31 years in the business Maurice and Barbara, in September 1998, retired turning the business over to their son, Michael, which is now Maurice and Son Auto Body. Maurice and Barbara then spent their winters at Lake Henry Estates, in Haines City, Florida, for 20 years where they enjoyed bus trips to Branson, Missouri, and a cruise to St. Martin, St. Lucia, and St. Kit.

Maurice was known for his love to help others. He enjoyed auto body, but carpentry/woodworking was his passion. He spent many hours working on projects for family and friends. Maurice will be remembered for his kind heart and willingness to help others.

He also enjoyed working with his dear friend, Gary Hammond, operating heavy equipment and earthwork projects just for fun.

He was predeceased by his parents, Alcide and Cecile Bard; his brothers, Bertrand Bard and Rosaire “Shoe” Bard; his daughter, Mary Bard; and his in-laws, Oscar, and Rita Rowe.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of 58 years; his children, Marcia and husband Jeff Hubert, Melissa and husband Richard Boissonneault, Matthew and wife Corrine Bard, and Michael and wife Michelle Bard; his grandchildren, Cameron and wife Brittney Smith, Dylan and wife Desiree Smith, Derrick Smith, Bradley and wife Jessica Hubert, Benjamin and wife Jordon Hubert, Brittany Hubert and fiancé Garret Burns, Amber Bard and fiancé Steve Thompson, Trevor Boissonneault, Tyler, Teya, and Trey Bard, Marissa Barnett, and Emily and husband Nick St. Amand; his great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Bennett Hubert, Keegan Church, Aviana Boissonneault, Brayden and Colton Thompson, Aria Barnett, and Lily and Blake St. Armand; his siblings, Rosalind Joseph, Leland Bard, Bernett Harvey, Ronald Bard, Peter Bard, Lorraine Belliveau, Valier Bard, Claudette Rancourt, and Elaine LaChance; his sister in-law, Jill Bard; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame du Perpetual Secours Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Maine General HACCC, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903, or Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, 304 Main Street, Waterville, ME 04901, or Interfaith Food Pantry, 23 Lawrence Avenue, Fairfield, ME 04937.

JEANNE N. RODRIGUE

WATERVILLE – Jeanne N. (Levasseur) Rodrigue, 81, died peacefully at Lakewood Continuing Care Center, in Waterville, on Saturday, February 5, 2022. She was born to Edmund Levasseur and Antoinette Roy Levasseur on January 19, 1941, in Winslow.

Jeanne graduated from Winslow High School in 1959. She married Albert Rodrigue Jr., on July 23, 1960, and spent most of her life as a homemaker.

She was an avid bowler, loved playing volleyball with family, and could hit a softball a very long distance. Jeanne was famous for her whoopie pies and molasses cookies and the numerous wedding cakes she made for family members. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, walking with friends, and continued to lunch monthly with high school girlfriends until recently.

She loved attending her childrens’ and grandchildrens’ musical and sporting events, where she was never at a loss for words. She could be counted on by all of her grandchildren to bring cupcakes and ice cream cups into their classrooms on their birthdays and made countless tourtiere pies for school fundraisers. She was always willing to help anyone, especially older relatives and friends, in any way she could.

Jeanne was predeceased by her parents, brothers Edmund (Donald), Conrad, Phillip, Michael, and James, sister, Marie Levasseur, sister, Lucille Gagnon and brother-in-law Gerald Gagnon, sister, Anne Merrill and brother-in-law Charles Merrill, brother- and sister-in-law Gerard and Nancy Rodrigue.

Jeanne is survived by her husband of 61 years; son, David Rodrigue and wife Susan, of Winslow, son, Daniel Rodrigue and wife Liz, of Cornville; daughter, Donna Campbell and husband Mark, of Anson and Winslow, son, Dean Rodrigue and fiancée Angel Cyr, of Millinocket; grandchildren Corey, Victoria, Abigail, Sarah, Treva, Shelby, Jessica, Grace, and Trista; and great-grandchildren Evan, Xavier, Jase, and Peyton; her sisters June Day, of Clinton, and Claire Paron, of Orlando, Florida; brother, Paul Levasseur and sister-in-law Sue, of Albion, and sisters-in-law Theresa Rodrigue, of Waterville, Ginger Levasseur, of Auburn, Lorraine Levasseur, of Sidney; brothers- and sisters-in-law John and Bernadette Rodrigue, of Benton, and James and Barbara Rodrigue, of Waterville.

Arrangements are under the care of Aabel Cremation Service.

Pursuant to Jeanne’s wishes, there will be no service or visiting hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeanne’s memory to Northern Lights Continuing Care – Lakewood, 220 Kennedy Memorial Dr., Waterville, ME 04901.

ROY A. BRACKETT

VASSALBORO – Roy Augustus Brackett, of Vassalboro, died at home on Saturday, February 5, 2022.

Roy was a master electrician who retired from Colby College, in Waterville. In his retirement he enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and the lovely home he and Ruth shared. In later years he took up wood carving and often had a project in progress in his shop or on the kitchen table.

He could also often be found volunteering with the Vassalboro Historical Society or attending meetings at the Masonic Lodge, particularly if there was a potluck supper involved.

Roy is survived by Ruth Brackett, his wife of 66 years; son, Don Brackett; and grandsons Rurik Brackett and Ian Brackett.

According to his wishes, there will be no funeral, instead, Roy’s family encourages friends and relatives to enjoy a walk in the woods or a visit to the seashore with someone they love.

GEORGE A. MOORE SR.

PALERMO – George A. Moore Sr. 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at GlenRidge Nursing Home. He was born April 17, 1937, in Augusta, the son of Lloyd and Olive (Baker) Moore.

George attended Winthrop High School and started his career at Inmot Mill, of Winthrop, Buzzells Construction, and retired from Winthrop Public works after 30 years (1971-2001) as the road commissioner.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, LeeAnn (Moore) Smith.

Surviving are his sons Stanley Moore and wife Carol, of Augusta, Doug Goucher and wife Melissa, of Winthrop, George Moore Jr. and wife Penny, of Winthrop, Rodney Moore and wife Donna, of Jefferson; daughters Donna (Moore) Pelotte and husband Emile, of Florida, Brenda (Moore) Cyr and husband Bob, of Virginia, Kelly Moore, of Rockland, and Cindy Weymouth and husband Bernard, of Winthrop; 20 grandchildren, Ben, Matt, Jason, Justin, Brian, Shaun, Jeffrey, Jonna, Kory, Monique, Chandler, Heather, Sara, Charlie, Justine, Cassie, Nick, Darcy, Roy, Darren; and 32 great-grandchildren with two additional on the way; his sister, Patricia (Moore) McDivett and spouse Rick.

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, February 12, at the American Legion, Post 40, 117 Bowdoin St., Winthrop.

Those who wish to remember George in a special way may make gifts in his honor to Alzheimer’s Association – Fight Alzheimer’s and Dementia – alz.org.

JAMES F. DUDLEY

SIDNEY – James Frederick Dudley, 72, of Sidney, passed away Sunday, February 6, 2022, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. Jimmy was born in Augusta on January 27, 1950, the youngest son of Robert Alton and Beulah May (Woodward) Dudley.

Always his father’s shadow on the family farm in North Augusta, he moved with his mother and brother to Plymouth, New Hampshire, as a teenager after his father suddenly passed away. It was there he fell in love with Barbara at the age of 15. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1968 as a varsity basketball and baseball athlete. After graduation he attended New Hampshire Vocational-Technical College, continuing his baseball career, and earning an AAS in Internal Combustion Engines.

Shortly after college, he married Barbara and moved back to Maine to build their house and raise their family together. You’d often catch Jimmy patiently teaching pragmatic lessons to his children and grandchildren, shooting hoops, tending to his giant vegetable garden, ice fishing out back, riding his snowmobile, working on someone’s logging equipment in the garage he built, or watching his beloved Boston Celtics.

He imparted his quiet wisdom, fierce independence, and dry sense of humor to his family.Jimmy worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for Bridge Construction Company, in Windsor, welder at Bath Iron Works, and diesel technician at the Maine Department of Transportation, in Augusta, before retiring.

A persistent farmer at heart and an avid outdoorsman, Jimmy enjoyed hunting and fishing which he passed on to his children, grandchildren and other extended family and friends.

A member of both the Waterville and Kennebec Valley Beagle clubs, his life-long passion was raising beagles. As a leader in both clubs and the beagling community at large, he was a well-respected handler and judge in AKC field trials. He was very proud the day his beagle Taboo became an AKC National Field Champion.

During the Ice Storm of 1998 he and his co-workers at Maine DOT worked 18-hour days for weeks, tirelessly repairing utility and plow trucks to help get power back on to Maine homes and businesses, all while also not having power at home for 18 days.

He used the proceeds from that work to purchase a piece of land and built a camp with help from family and friends on Graham Lake, in Mariaville, using lumber he cut from the trees grown on the family farm. He enjoyed his time at “Camp O.T.”: fishing out front from shore or in his boat, target shooting, picking berries, ATVing, playing cribbage, marking his grandchildren’s heights, and spending memorable time with family.

He was predeceased by his wife Barbara of 51 years, his parents, his brother Robert (Bobby) Alton Dudley, Jr., of Sidney, and sister Jane Louise (Dudley) Patterson, of Chelsea.

Jimmy is survived by his children Christy Lajoie (James), of Dayton, and Eric Dudley (Sarah), of Gorham; grandchildren Alyssa and Ian Lajoie and Aidan and Grace Dudley; his stepbrother Paul Nelson (Jacqui), of Waltham, Massachusetts; several cousins, nieces and nephews, in-laws.

A private family graveside service will be held at the Cottle Cemetery, across from the old family farm in North Augusta this spring.

Arrangements are entrusted with Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care One Church Street, Augusta, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home website: http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, please send charitable donations to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation to further research toward a cure: http://www.support.pkdcure.org/fundraiser/3708265.

DR. RICHARD R. DOLE

FAIRFIELD – Dr. Richard R. Dole, 90, passed away on Saturday, February 12, 2022, following a difficult journey with dementia. Richard was born in Niobe, New York.

As the son of a farmer, he developed a deep reverence for the soil, crops, and the wonder of all living things. He was also a teacher’s son and had a passion for academics. As valedictorian of his high school class, he attended Houghton College and medical school at the State University of New York, in Syracuse.

He served as a captain and flight surgeon in the United States Air Force. In 1964, he opened a private practice in Waterville, becoming Medical Director of the Respiratory Therapy Department at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville. His career culminated in 1996 after serving as a pulmonologist at Togus VA hospital, in Augusta, for 10 years. He was loved by his patients and coworkers for his compassionate nature.

Richard was a kind and gentle soul. He was curious about the natural world. He loved birds, the cosmos, and cultivating the earth to grow wildflowers and vegetables. Once the peepers started peeping, he would be outside, tilling and planting, or puttering in the barn until after dark. He was a hardworking man but also knew the value of rest, he particularly enjoyed sunny winter afternoon naps. He was an avid reader, lover of music and home-cooked food, especially pie!

Richard was also a man of deep faith. He was a committed member of the Fairfield United Methodist Church. He found solace in reading the Bible and other religious texts about the Mystery that awaits us all. He wrote an essay about his faith a few years back, “… I hold no fear of facing the fate of all people and anticipate the “crossing over” as life’s greatest adventure.”

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Maureen Dole; his four children, Lisa Skinner, of West Palm Beach, Florida, Sharon Hamilton, of San Anselmo, California, David Dole, of Winslow, and Jonathan Dole, of Petaluma, California; and two “bonus” children, Jennifer Daigle, of Portland, and Jessica Daigle, of Sea Cliff, New York; as well as 12 grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents Ralph and Winifred Dole; and his brother, Roland Dole.

A Celebration of Life service was held on Wednesday, February 16, at Fairfield United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Fairfield United Methodist Church, 37 Skowhegan Rd., Fairfield, ME 04937.

DIANNE WILLETTE

WINSLOW – Dianne Willette, 80, passed away on Saturday, January 8, 2022, in Augusta, following a long illness. She was born on May 30, 1941, in Massachusetts to Raymond and Rachel (Snow) Howe.

Dianne, better known as “Nana”, enjoyed spending time with family. She could be found on most summer days sitting at the family pond. Dianne’s most cherished time was Christmas Eve at her home. She just loved having everyone “crammed in”. Although these parties became smaller, this past Christmas she specifically requested, “Christmas Eve at Nanas!”, thankfully, Dianne’s wish was fulfilled. At any time when you popped in to visit, she was watching cooking shows, reading, or as she always would say, “not sleeping”.

Her truly happiest moments were spending her time with her grand- and great-grandchildren. They all loved spending time and building forever memories with Nana.

Dianne “Nana” will forever be loved and kept close within our hearts.

Dianne was predeceased by her parents, her brothers, Eddie and John Howe, sisters Nancy Quirion, Florence (Babe) Perry, and Claire Thomas, and her grandson, Dylan Willette.

Dianne is survived by her husband, Norris Willette; five children, Michael Willette and wife Melissa, of Winslow, Jeffrey Willette and wife Rhonda, of Winslow, Timothy Willette and wife Barbara, of Winslow, Danny Willette and Tisha Butler, of Winslow, and Kathy Hopkins and husband Rusty, of Florida; grandchildren, Rebecca, Jordan, Kyle, Katrina, Whitney, Caleb, Jennifer, Jason, Spencer, Tyler, and Camden. great-grandchildren, Brody, Caspar, Addisyn, Abby-Gayle, Lynkin, Piper and Hazel; her twin brother Raymond Howe Jr. and her sister Debbie Albert (Howe) and husband Keith; many in-laws, nieces, nephews.

Services are yet to be decided.

OTHERS

RICHARD A. RODRIGUE

ZEPHYRHILLS, Florida – Richard “Dick” Albert Rodrigue, 92, of Zephyrhills, Florida, formerly of Oakland, passed away on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

During his earlier years, Dick enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling and golf; in his later years, he enjoyed playing shuffleboard and bocce ball and never lost his passion for golf as he still played.

He is survived by his wife of almost 73 years, Joan LaCroix Rodrigue; two daughters and sons-in-law, Betty and David Latham, Sandra and John Palmer; four grandchildren, Mariah Eno Griffith, Wade Eno, Erica Palmer and Shane Palmer; great-grandchildren, Tyler Harris, Jacob Harris, Eloise Eno and Alexis Palmer; as well as his great-great-grandchild, Easton Harris; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Mary Jane Castilloux Rodrigue and Albert Rodrigue; and his two sisters, Jeanine Albert and Rita Shotten.

Graveside services will be held in Maine in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shady Oaks Sunshine Committee, c/o Shady Oaks Owners’ Association, 3651 Castle Drive, Zephyrhills, FL 33540.