Obituaries for Thursday, January 2, 2019

HELEN K. MOSHER

BRUNSWICK – Helen (Kenoyer) Mosher, 104, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2019. She was born on September 17, 1915, in a small sod house built by Henry and Annie Kenoyer on the native plains of Vale, South Dakota. She was the first daughter born to a family of 10 children.

Her mother taught her as a young girl that a mother’s love is not divided like pumpkin pie between the children she brings into the world. Much to the contrary, a mother’s heart is multiplied with each successive life she creates, which explains a mother’s seemingly boundless capacity for love. What then, can we say of our Great-Great Grammy Helen who created, then mothered five living generations of children? Her lifetime is ultimately a mother’s love story of a proud and fiercely resilient woman who desperately loved her children, husband and extended family, while serving as the cornerstone of her community during the 104 years that her light shined ever so brightly on this earthly realm.

Helen crossed into the flowered fields of the great hereafter to join her pre-deceased husband Charles Mosher of 64 years, with whom she mothered more than 80 direct decedents, each of whom carries her enduring legacy of grace, piety and generosity.

Her humble beginnings on the Cheyenne River and pioneer values forged an ideology of personal resolve that placed family as the first priority in all matters. She learned as a young girl that home is where the heart rests after her family of 12 boarded a Dodge Touring car and Model T Ford truck to travel to a farm in Windsor, Maine, where the Kenoyers made their home. Her lifetime in Maine transcended the travails of living history through the Great Depression and multiple wartime services, to which she was no stranger as her Gold Star family gave handsomely to the causes of our nation. The loss of her youngest brother, Russell Kenoyer, over the skies of Germany on April 16, 1945, never healed, despite her stalwart faith bolstered by her decades long worship at the South China Community Church, on the shores of China Lake. Her longevity likewise saw the predeceased passing of her oldest daughter Margaret, brothers and sisters and grandchildren Laurie and Ross.

Having met Charles Mosher, the love of her life, she moved from her family home in Windsor to their first home in Benton Station where they raised a family, before moving to their final home overlooking China Lake. It was here that they lived their elder lives in the company of the huge family they bore spending summers at small cottages on Pine Point, on China Lake, hosting regular family gatherings and their rapidly multiplying grandchildren.

Her surviving family in addition to her children Richard, David and Winnifred and cousin Chuck Sisson who grew up in the Kenoyer family, includes more than 76 grandchildren, great- and great-great-grandchildren. We will remember with affinity her illuminating and continuous presence in our lives, her emphasis on education, family history and summers on China Lake with heavy cookie jar lids, eating white perch for supper, Red Sox games on the radio, motor boats, painted rocks leading to the shore, slamming screen doors, the aromatic scent of pine needles and, always, her humming melodies somewhere in the house not far away.

Most of all, Helen Mosher was an affirmation not only of the existence of God in our world, but that He must truly love us to give us so many years in the company of her great maternal spirit. She was, after all, our mother whom we loved as the circle continues, unbroken.

Friends wishing may make donations in her memory to the S. China Community Church, 246 Village Street, S. China, Maine 04358.

Arrangements by Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan.

JACQUELINE C. VIGUE

WATERVILLE – Jacqueline C. Vigue, 92, passed away at the Woodlands Assisted Living Center, in Waterville, on Monday, December 9, 2019. Jacqueline was born on January 1, 1927, the daughter of Joseph and Bertha (Madore) Rodrigue.

Jacqueline married Roger Vigue on May 30, 1962, and they made their home in Waterville. Jacqueline was a devout Catholic who attended Mass regularly at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville. She was a receptionist for Dr. Jean Bolduc and Dr. Lucien Pellerin.

Jacqueline was a very caring person. Her family meant everything to her. Jacqueline was a caretaker and was always taking care of people. Jacqueline also spent a lot of time praying for her family and others who she felt needed it.

Jacqueline was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Bertha Rodrigue; her husband Roger Vigue; her brothers, Robert Rodrigue and Louis Rodrigue; her sister Constance Rodrigue; brother and sisters-in-law, Mag and Lawrence Vigue, and brothers-in-law-, Russel Marquis and David Starbird.

Jacqueline is survived by her sons, James Vigue and wife Jane, Thomas Vigue and wife Vickie; her daughters, Mary White and husband Roy, Patricia Violette and husband Joel; her sisters, Gabrielle Marquis and Claudette Starbird; her sister-in-law, Marge Rodrigue; her brother, Eugene Rodrigue and wife Sue, where she was also a mother to Eugene and Claudette after their mother had passed; her grandchildren, Cary Colwell and husband Bob, Tony Violette, Melanie Smith and husband Justin, Robbie Violette and wife Abby, Brad White and wife Jasmine, Erica Millett and husband Tyler, Terri Hall and husband Rob, Mike Starbird and his wife Amy; and several great- grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are asked to visit on Friday, December 13, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville.

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

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

In lieu of flowers donations in Jacqueline’s name can be made to a charity of your choice.

ESTALEA GURGANIOUS

COOPERS MILLS – Estalea Gurganious, 70, of Coopers Mills, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2019. She was born in Palatka, Florida, on August 21, 1949, the daughter of Virginia and Raleigh Gurganious.

She graduated from Englewood High School, in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1968.

At the Country Manor Nursing Home where she resided, she was often referred to as “a little ray of sunshine,” by those who knew her. Some of her favorite activities there were playing Bingo, doing puzzles, and listening to music from visiting groups.

She attended The First United Pentecostal Church and the Apostolic Church, both in Augusta. She loved reading and listening to the Bible and was never afraid to witness to others around her of the relationship she had with Jesus Christ.

She also enjoyed and looked forward to visits with her son and daughter and their family.

She was formerly employed as a CNA both in Jacksonville, Florida and Gardiner, Maine.

She is survived by her daughter, Virginia Jones and husband Gary, of Palermo; son, Jerry Davis and wife Michelle, of Augusta; grandchildren, Kaylah Blazon and husband Jeremy, of Union; Abigail Jones and fiancé Chris Cory, of Palermo and Belfast; Rebekah Davis and Ryan Davis, both of Augusta; brother, Caston Gurganious and wife Linda, of Gainsville, Florida; brother, Carroll Gurganious, of Jacksonville, Florida; sister, Naomi Bradshaw and husband Tim, of Collierville, Tennessee. She also has several nieces, nephew, grand nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her sister, Pat Guynn; her brother, Kenneth Gurganious; her brother, Jimmy Burney; and parents, Virginia and Raleigh Gurganious.

Donations, in her memory, may be made to worshipradionetwork.org.

EDMUND G. BOUCHER

WATERVILLE – Edmund G. Boucher, 96, passed away Saturday, November 30, 2019, at the Maine Veteran’s Home, in Augusta. He was born February 4, 1923, in Biddeford, the son of Ephren and Bertha (Lemire) Boucher.

He was educated in the Catholic schools of Biddeford then attended the University of Maine at Orono, graduating in 1950. He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Force as a second lieutenant during World War II until his honorable discharge. He was employed for many years as a chemical engineer (chemist) for various companies including Pfizer. After retirement, he worked as a chemical engineer all over the world helping companies set up equipment. He was a member of the American Legion and American Chemical Society. He enjoyed traveling, reading, and picking berries.

Edmund is survived by sister, Muriel Martel, of Biddeford; stepsons, Kevin Baker and wife Penney, of Mt Vernon, Greg Baker and wife Paula, of Smithfield; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his companion and wife, Marylin (Baker) Boucher, in March 2019.

A graveside service will be held at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery, in Augusta, in the spring of 2020 at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Edmund’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.

GEORGE F. BALBO

CHINA – George Francis Balbo, 69, of China, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, December 9, 2019, following a brief and courageous battle with an aggressive form of cancer, succumbing less than four weeks after his initial diagnosis and leaving his broad circle of family and friends shocked and heartbroken at his passing.

Born and raised in the Cleveland, Ohio, area, George grew up in a large family as one of 12 children, graduating from Lakewood High School in 1968.

In 1971 he began dating his future wife, Mary (Eiben) and soon after they followed one of his sisters to Maine to live in the Twitchell Hill community in Montville.

Beginning his career as a machinist, George also worked at various times as a firetower watchman, farmhand, roofer, surveyor’s assistant and more, but most of his career was as a talented, self-taught, and self-employed carpenter.

By 1975 George and Mary were married and had settled in China, where George, over the years, transformed their 1780s, one-room house into a multi-story, hand-built, off-grid home. Accomplished gardeners and homesteaders, George and Mary had huge gardens where they grew and preserved a large part of their year’s supply of vegetables, leaving surplus for neighbors at their roadside stand.

George’s kind and loving nature drew people to him. Having survived an abusive childhood, George found sobriety and mental health in his early 30s; his openness about his challenges and successes drew admiration and inspired many others. He worked tirelessly every day and was strong and fit until his illness. He was a legendary storyteller at any gathering and especially around his dining room table. He had an innate ability to make people feel comfortable and cherished. He had an expansive memory and a fact or song lyric (usually rock or blues) ready for any situation. He was charming, hilarious, and had an insatiable curiosity about others and the world in general. He rarely met a stranger who didn’t become a friend after their first meeting.

George was a voracious reader and a seemingly endless fountain of knowledge. Whenever someone (usually his younger daughters) would doubt something he said, he’d always say, “Don’t believe me? Look it up.” And 99 percent of the time he would be right. George had a special understanding and love of trees and the natural world. Two of his other great loves were Native American history and spirituality, and classic cars and motorcycles.

George is survived by his wife, Mary Balbo; daughters, Angela Balbo and fiancé Michael Januska, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Jane Balbo and husband Aaron Burk, of Athens, Ohio; son, Jason Hooper and wife Brittney, of Cleveland, Ohio; daughters, Cari Balbo and husband Michael Maines, of Palermo, and Anna Balbo Baldwin and husband Thomas Baldwin, of South Portland; grandsons, Sam, Oliver, and namesake George; 16 siblings and step-siblings, along with their spouses; nieces, nephews and cousins; his Aunt Dolores.

There will be a celebration of George’s life on the summer solstice, 2020. His family asks that if you have stories and thoughts of George to share that you please consider emailing them to fallsbrookfarm@gmail.com to be read at his memorial and to help his loved ones heal from their loss.

BEVERLY F. ARCHER

PALERMO – Beverly F. Archer, 92, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta, following a brief illness. Beverly “Bev” (Foster) Archer was born on March 12, 1927, at home on the Foster Farm, in Palermo.

In 1944, Beverly graduated from Erskine Academy, in China. During her senior year Beverly met, and began dating Claude “Kay” Archer, of Liberty. Kay would be the love of Beverly’s life. On March 26, 1949, Beverly and Kay were married at her family home, in Palermo, and from that day forth they would spend the next 67 years together.

Beverly and Kay were born adventurers. Following their marriage, they traveled and explored wherever work opportunities took them, including points in Maine, Montana, Pennsylvania and even Bogota, Columbia. It was in Bogota their daughter Jan B. Archer was born in 1955.

Beverly and Kay returned to Palermo in 1956. In 1957 they had built the home they would live in for the next 62 years. Eight years later, on June 17, 1964, their son Jeffrey K. Archer, was born.

Beverly was a wonderful homemaker and master cook. The family will forever hold dear all of her special dishes and baked goods, many of which became the traditional centerpieces to our family gatherings and celebrations.

Beverly was a loyal friend. Beverly was a dependable neighbor and community member. She was always quick to lend a helping hand. In younger years, Beverly served as a 4-H leader, a den mother for the cub scouts, and a school board member. She also served as a member of the Palermo Women’s Extension, the Sheepscot Fish & Game Club, and the Palermo Historical Society. But perhaps her most favorite involvement was that of the annual Tibbetts family reunion.

Beverly was resilient, strong-minded, and had a whole lot of good-old-fashioned common sense. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and mother-in-law. Beverly was the beloved foundation and heart center of her family.

On December 10, 2019, surrounded by family, Beverly passed away at the age of 92 at the Alfond Center for Health in Augusta, following a brief hospital stay. Beverly will be deeply missed by her entire family. We are all so very grateful for having had her in our lives.

Beverly was preceded in death by her husband Kay, her mother Clara Holloway Foster, her father Stanley E. Foster, and her twin brothers, Stanton Foster and Stanley Foster Jr.

Beverly is survived by her daughter Jan, of Palermo, her son Jeffrey and his wife Lisa, of Brooks; five grandchildren, Sarah Cobb, of China, Joshua Haiss, of Gorham, Audrey Nale, of Waterville, Frannie Archer, of Palermo, and Jacob Archer, of Brooks; and ten great-grandchildren, Kay Grady, Clara Grady, Kenneth Cobb, Carden Cobb, Colette Cobb, Jack Lyons, Lincoln Haiss, Anna Nale, Elizabeth Nale and Thomas Nale III.

A springtime graveside service is planned for Beverly at the Branch Mills Cemetery, in China. A date and time for this service has not yet been set.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Route 32, Windsor, Maine.

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

PATRICIA B. PARADIS

WINSLOW – Just three days shy of her 89th birthday, Patricia Brann Paradis passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2019. She was born in York on December 15, 1930, the daughter of William and Florence Brann.

She grew up in Augusta and later graduated from Morse High School, in Bath, where she met her high school sweetheart Bill. In 1950, Bill and Pat were married in Savannah, Georgia, where her husband served in the U.S. Army.

Pat lived in Winslow for over 50 years where she raised her family. She was a homemaker and babysat numerous children over the years. Her home on Marie Street was always open to family and friends. All who stopped by always felt welcomed and at home.

Pat was a loving and unselfish woman who always felt strongly about caring for others, donating to the church and many charities. She enjoyed country music, arts and crafts such as sewing, knitting, stain-glass, tole painting and gardening, but her biggest enjoyment was time spent with her family. She was the mastermind behind every successful family gathering; spending many summer weekends barbecuing by the pool side with family and friends.

Pat is survived by two sons, Chuck Paradis, of Fairfield, John Paradis and his wife, Debbie, of Litchfield, two daughters, Patty Paradis and fiancé Steve Libold, of Waterville, and Judy and husband, Jeff Berard, of Oakland; 10 grandchildren: Chris Berube, Nichole Hoague, Tiffany Winchenbach, Justin Paradis, Tasha Donor, Peter Paradis, Lindsey Troxell, Cameron Berard, Ryan Berard, pre-deceased by Alisha Lynne Allen; and 13 great-grandchildren: Hunter, Hayden, Ethan, Oryanna, Isabella, Charlie, Michael Jr, Darby, Adrien, Brooklyn, Aiden, Jaxson and William; many nieces and nephews.

At Pat’s request there will be no funeral services. There will be a private committal service with her immediate family.

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

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

BRIAN L. CLARK

ALBION – Brian L. Clark, 66, of Worcester, Massachusetts, and formerly of Albion passed away Thursday, December 12, 2019, following a short, but strong fight with cancer. Brian was born in Waterville on July 6, 1953, and was raised in Albion.

Brian was predeceased by his parents Leslie (“Pal”) and Carol Clark, of Albion. He is survived by daughter Jessica and her husband Scott Boulanger, of Manchester, New Hampshire; his siblings Sandra and her husband Lars Jonassen, of Albion, Steven and his wife Janice, of Eagle Pass, Texas, and Cathy Clark and Sharon Arnenson, of Allen, Texas; stepdaughters Judith and her husband Cliff Sales, Jennie and her husband Matt Keane, Greta and her husband Jason Gray, and Elizabeth “Liddy” and her husband Brian Tupper; aunt Barbara Knight, of Albion.

Brian graduated from Colby College, in Waterville, and went into a career in computer sales. He found a second career at L.L. Bean, in Maine, in customer service where he happened upon a long-lost friend on one of his late-night calls. He later moved to Worcester, Massachuseets, to marry Vicky and worked, until the time of his illness, at The Home Depot in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, where he made many close friends.

Brian was a lifelong fan of Boston sports teams and jumped at any chance to attend a game. He enjoyed golfing, spending time on Cape Cod, visits to Albion and vacations to Sanibel Island. Brian loved a good joke, an episode of Blue Bloods or a Dairy Queen blizzard at any time. His life was well lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Brian to the charity of your choice.

JUDY R. STEVENS

SIDNEY – Judy R. Stevens, 55, died on Friday, December 13, 2019, following a valiant fight with cancer. Judy was born in Lewiston on May 11, 1964, to Philip and Alexina (Gagnon) Cyr. She attended Holy Cross School, in Lewiston, and then attended and graduated from Lisbon High School. Judy worked in several retail and clerical positions during her lifetime. While working at Maine Industrial, in Augusta, she met and married Glenn Stevens. They shared a home in Sidney, where they were married in August 2012.

Judy loved spending time with family and her beloved pets. She doted on her grandchildren either related or “adopted.” She was always ready to share her talents of crocheting, cross stitching and quilting in gifts to a newborn member of the family or friend or as wedding gifts to many lucky couples. Judy was a kind-hearted person and never hesitated to help anyone in need. Her compassion, love and many talents will be profoundly missed.

Judy is survived by her husband, Glenn Stevens; her son, Devin Chamberland, of Lewiston; her stepdaughter, Kirsten and her husband, Ryan Grobosky, of Syracuse, New York; and a stepson, Eric Stevens, of Pittsfield; grandchildren Mayson Ciarfella, Rowen and Phoebe Grobosky and the many nieces and nephews; her mother, Alexina; her sister, Debra Adams; brothers Ken Cyr and Randy Cyr.

Judy was predeceased by her father, Philip Cyr and her son Jeremy Ciarfella.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be celebrated at the Slovak Club, 26 Avery Street, Lisbon Falls, Maine, on January 18, 2020, from noon – 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Cancer Society in her memory.

GARY L. MORRISON

WINSLOW – Gary L. Morrison, 70, of Winslow, passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Gary was born May 28, 1949, in Gardiner, son of Andrew and Eva (Hamlin) Morrison.

He was educated in Winslow schools and graduated from Winslow High School in 1968. He went on to graduate from Central Maine Vocational Technical Institute, (CMVTI), in Auburn in 1970 with a degree in automotive technology. On August 8, 1970, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Suzon Hussey.

He worked for Advanced Auto, in Auburn, Lewiston Auto Sales, in Lewiston, and Agway, in Fairfield, before being hired by New England Telephone Company in February 1972 as a mechanic. He retired from the phone company in February 1997 after 25 years of service.

He had his own handyman business for a short time before he went back to school to become an EMT. After he got his EMT license in 1999 he worked for Windsor Ambulance for one year before being hired by Delta Ambulance, in Waterville in 2000. He retired from Delta in November 2015. For the next year or so Gary drove dump truck and tractor trailer, especially enjoying the time he spent on the road with his son, Chad. During all these years Gary remained an on-call firefighter with Winslow Fire Department and was a member of the newly-formed Fire Police Unit and also volunteered as an EMT for the Special Olympics at Sugarloaf for eight years.

Gary is survived by his wife Suzon; his mother Eva Morrison Coombs; special brother of the heart, Mike Henry and wife Terri, of Virginia; foster brother David Christian and wife Jo Jo, of Oregon; brother Terry Morrison and wife Lil, of Madison; half-brothers Anthony Chandler and wife Laura, of Woolwich; Robert Chandler and wife Martha, of Harpswell, and Harold Chandler III, of New Mexico; half-sister Susan Hurley and husband Bill, of California; his sons, Cory Morrison, of Winslow, Michael Morrison and wife Kristi, of Waterville, and Chad Morrison and wife Shannon, of Fairfield; eight grandchildren, Austin Morrison, of Colorado, Brittany Harris and husband Cobey, of Kansas, Amanda Morrison Bonn, of Kansas, Aidan and Nadia Morrison, of Waterville, and Landon, Levi and Liam Morrison, of Fairfield; in-laws Peggy Hussey, of New Hampshire, Tracy Hussey and fiance David, of Winslow, Erin Dyer and husband Scott, of Winslow, Peter Hussey and wife Verna, of Winslow, and Patrick Hussey, of New Hampshire; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, one great-great-nephew and one great-great niece; several cousins.

He was predeceased by his father Andrew Morrison, stepfather Robert Coombs, foster brother Robert Henry, sister-in-law Kelly Pearson, brother-in-law Michael Hussey and granddaughter Avery Rose Morrison.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to Winslow Fire Department, 16 Benton Ave, Winslow or Delta Ambulance, 29 Chase Ave, Waterville.

RANDON C. McKAY

WATERVILLE – Randon “Randy” Chester McKay, 80, passed away, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville, on Thursday, December 19, 2019. He was born June 11, 1939, at the Long Pond Railway Station, the eldest son of five children to Chester and Joan (Ferland) McKay.

He graduated from Higgins Classical Institute, in 1957, and the New England School of Art, in 1960. In 1979, he married Danielle Campbell, at the Sacred Heart Church, in Waterville. He was employed for many years as a salesman at various stores including leather goods, home goods, wallpaper and paint and retired from JC Penney.
Randy was a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville, and loved to tinker on radios, TVs and anything he could fix. It didn’t matter what came into Randy’s life, he always was good natured and had a smile on his face. He loved to watch old movies, and especially enjoyed family gatherings. He perceived his “cup as half full.” He was a wonderful person.

He is survived his wife of 40 years, Danielle (Campbell) McKay, of Waterville; two sisters, Merlene Ambulos and husband Nicholas, of Skowhegan, Terry Vioilette and husband William, of Waterville; many nieces, nephews and cousins; an aunt, Beatrice Basil.

He was predeceased by his parents, Chester and Joan (Ferland) McKay; brother, William McKay; and sister, Mona (McKay) Mayhew.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 4, 2020, at 11 a.m, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Silver Street, Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Randy’s memory to the Waterville Humane Society, 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.

TODD H. HATCH

WINDSOR – Todd Howard Hatch, 54, passed away Sunday, December 22, 2019, at his home, in Windsor, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Damariscotta on December 10, 1965, to Kenneth L. Hatch II and Jean (Lewis) McInnis.

He graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, and worked for Coutt’s Bros. Inc., for 34 years as a lead power lineman. He was a dedicated employee and loving husband, father and grandfather.

He was predeceased by his father Kenneth L. Hatch II.

Todd is survived by his wife of 34 years Deborah A. Hatch; two children, David E. Geschwendt and wife Katie, Matthew T. Hatch and girlfriend Michele Drew; a granddaughter Jubilee; his mother Jean L. McInnis; brothers, sisters and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

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

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

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MaineGenerral Hospice, PO Box 828, Waterville, Maine 04903, and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis,Tennessee, 38105-9959.

CURTIS A. MUELLER

OAKLAND – Curtis A. Mueller, 64, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2019. He was born on February 8, 1955, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Arnold and Gladys Mueller.

Curt attended Lutheran High School North, in St. Louis, and Southwestern Missouri State University before completing a bachelor’s degree at Utah State University. For over 30 years, he owned and operated an independent claim adjusting company based in central Maine.

Curt loved the Lord and His Word, and it thrilled him to play bluegrass and gospel music at local churches and nursing homes. For many years, he played the banjo with his family in a band that performed throughout the country.

He enjoyed fishing, cooking, gardening, exploring his beloved Maine, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his parents Arnold and Gladys; his children, Tom, Annah, Bob, Laura, Sarah, John, and George; four grandchildren; and brothers, Greg and Dan.

Per Curt’s wishes, no service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to First Choice Pregnancy Center in Waterville, Maine.

BRIAN L. MICHAUD

OAKLAND – Brian Lee Michaud, 56, of Oakland, passed away suddenly while working, on Monday, December 16, 2019. Brian was born on March 18, 1963, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the son of Dora and Charles H. Michaud Jr.

Brian graduated from Stearns High School, in Millinocket, in 1981. Following high school, he joined the United States Navy, serving his country with pride. Love of country topped his priority list.

Brian was passive, sweet, funny, and giving. He will be remembered for his hard work ethic and the fact he could fix anything. He was always there to lend a hand for anyone. He was happy to be known as a “red neck” and a proud Trump supporter. Brian was a delivery assistant at NRF, in Augusta, at the time of his death.

Brian was especially proud of his son, Joshua Michaud, for his service in the United States Army and carrying on the family tradition of serving his country. He was looking forward to spending time with him over the holidays.

Brian enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, wrestling with Josh and cousin, Mikey, and spending time with friends and his dogs.

Brian was predeceased by his father, Charles H. Michaud Jr., on August 12, 2006.

Brian is survived by his son Joshua Michaud of Tampa, Florida; mother Dora Michaud, of Oakland; sister Andrea Stevens, of Alaska; brothers, Charles Stevens, of Arizona, and Ed Stevens, of Idaho; his girlfriend Beckey Washburn, of Oakland; uncles, Maynard, Michael and Terry Michaud; also cousins, Beth Michaud-Tillson who was like his little sister, cousins, Mikey, Luigi and Jason Michaud, Vina Walker and Digna Cournoyer; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration of life was held on December 29, 2019.

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.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Maine Veterans Home, 310 Cony Road, Augusta, ME 04330.