OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 12, 2020

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.