OBITUARIES for Thursday, November 6, 2025

ROGER BARBER

CLINTON – Roger Barber, 87, of Clinton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025. He was born on November 17, 1937, in Huntingville, Canada, and later became a proud U. S. Citizen.

Roger and Eva were the longtime owners of Marie’s Trophies, in Clinton, where they served their community for many years.

Roger was an avid bowler and polka dancer who loved spending summers at his camp and joyed boating. He was a member of the Elks Club, a world traveler, and especially fond of taking cruises.

Roger will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his warm heart, and the joy he brought to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford; his mother, Clara; his sisters, Vera and Uldene; and his beloved dog, Daisy May.

He is survived by his sister, Vi, and her husband, Wayne, of Canada, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Services were held at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. A graveside burial followed at Greenlawn Rest Cemetery, 959 Main Street, Clinton. A celebration of life followed at the Waterville Elks Club, 76 Industrial Street, Waterville.

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

JUDITH A. IRELAND

WATERVILLE – Judith A. Ireland 84, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Born February 22, 1941, to Carolyn Reid.

Judy grew up in Clinton and Fairfield, graduated from Lawrence High School in 1959 and started working at Keyes Fibre Co., where she worked diligently and made many friendships.

On July 17, 1969, Judy went on a blind date and that’s when she met Ken. They shared 46 years together and traveled the U.S. and abroad.

In 1987 she and Ken moved to Palermo, where she enjoyed gardening, canning and quilting. She was a devout Christian and was a member of the Palermo Christian Church.

She was predeceased by her mother Carolyn Marshall, husband Kenneth Ireland, sister Paule Nora Lessard and brother Dana Marshall, son-in-law Robert Silvius Sr., stepsons, Kenneth Ireland Jr. and Wayne Ireland, stepgreat-grandchild Trevor Brown.

Survivors include her daughter Wendy McCaslin (John); step-children Linda Brown (Dennis), Ann Silvius (Robert Sr.), Gina Ireland (Kenny) Susan Ireland (Wayne); brothers Ed Marshall (Cathy), Paul Marshall, Jr. (Linda); grandchildren: Vanessa Hamilton (Reece), Leann Skrupa (Will), Jarrett Brown (Susan), Robert Silvius Jr., (Karla), Michael Silvius (Cher), Karen Estby (Daniel), Daniel Ireland (Jason), Nicholas Ireland (Brandy), Kenny Ireland III (Setera), Tony Ireland, Jeffery Ireland (Ashley); great-grandchildren: Willow, Lauren, Trenton, Peyton, Bailey, Parker, Stephanie, Logan, Mitchell, Nolan, Nathaniel, Hannah, Anthony, Nicole, McKinley, Aubrey, Reid, Ryker, Joslyn, Ben and several great-great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces, Michael McPhail, Michelle McPhail (Rhonda), Richard III, Danny Marshall, Aimee Marshall, Ed Marshall II (Holly), Ben Marshall, Megan Beaulieu (Eric), Abby Marshall.

A graveside service will be held in the spring. Arrangements are under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine. Condolences may be shared at http://www.directcremationofmaine.com.

Donations can be made to The Hospice House, 236 Stetson Rd., Auburn, ME 04210.

JAMIE PULLYARD

CHINA – Jamie Pullyard, 58, of China, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025. He was born on March 1, 1967, to Keith and Beatrice (Corson) Pullyard.

Jamie perfected the art of the bargain early in life – and never met a car salesman he couldn’t outwit.

He shared many happy years with his wife, Mary, who tolerated (and occasionally joined in) his endless antiquing adventures. Together, they built a home full of love, laughter, and an impressive assortment of “vintage treasures” that might still be hiding price tags. Jamie’s hobbies included fishing, spending time with his family, and doting on his three loyal canine companions – Ferg, Wednesday, and Beau – who were sure they were people and were probably right.

Jamie will be remembered for his wit, warmth, and uncanny ability to make any outing into an adventure (and a negotiation). His laughter, big heart, and endless search for “just one more deal” will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Keith and Beatrice.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; brothers, Gary Bailey and wife Cheryl, from Canaan, Dana Bailey and his wife Charlene, from Lancaster, New Hampshire, Terry Bailey and fiancée Donna, from Goffstown, New Hampshire, and Meldon Bailey and companion Pauline, from Clinton; three daughters, Ashley Walker and husband David, and Jessica Mitchell and husband Ryan, all of China and their five boys, Xavier, Jamison, Lincoln, Jackson, Rowan; Sierra Charest and his grandson, Maxim, of Auburn.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you honor Jamie by finding a good bargain – or better yet, out-negotiating a salesman – and thinking of him when you do.

BRUCE F. ELDRIDGE

SOUTH CHINA – Command Sergeant Major Bruce Franklin Eldridge, 78, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home in Palermo on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Bruce was born in Rochester, New Hampshire, on December 24, 1946, to Harold “Slim” and Charlotte (née Twombley) Eldridge.

He was a resident of Kennebunk and Arundel for 40 years until moving to Palermo in 2014, He grew up in North Berwick, graduating from North Berwick High School in 1965 before joining the United States Army Reserves in 1966. After completing his initial military training and stateside service, he attended New Hampshire Barber College, in Manchester, New Hampshire. In 1969, he opened his own barbershop, the Yankee Clippers, before eventually following his love of the outdoors into a new career. Bruce first worked as a lineman for the telephone company, and then he began a 33-year career with Kennebunk Light and Power Company, retiring in 2006.

Bruce also continued to serve in the Army Reserves with the 76th Division in Saco and commanded many other units in the New England area. His final assignment was CSM of the 1125th US Army Hospital, in Auburn, before retiring in 2000 with a total of 34 years of military service. He continued his service as the Sergeant at Arms for the American Legion Post #163, of Palermo, prior to his sudden passing.

His commitment to serving others led him to become a bone marrow donor in 1998, saving the life of a then three-year-old cancer patient from Takoma, Washington, something he deemed one of his greatest accomplishments.

Bruce was an avid storyteller, and he never let the facts get in the way of a hilarious yarn. He reveled in the laughter of others, often making himself the butt of the joke, and he used humor in any and all situations as a way to build relationships or lighten the mood. When he wasn’t chasing a laugh, he was chasing a thrill and enjoyed motorcycle riding, SCUBA diving, and sky diving. He loved his friends and family deeply and was often the first call, the trusted friend, role model, or safe harbour for many who knew him. A lifelong hunter and outdoor enthusiast, his family is taking great comfort knowing he had returned home days earlier from a successful moosehunt with loved ones.

Family meant more to Bruce than any awards or adventures.

He was predeceased by his parents, grandson Parker Deveaux, mother-in-law Jacqueline Drapeau, sister-in-law Celeste Drapeau and brother-in-law Everett Reed.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 23 years Monique (née Drapeau) Eldridge; daughters and sons-in-law Kelli and Brian Deveaux, of Gorham, Jen and Thomas Noonan, of Steep Falls, step-daughters and sons-in-law Jenn and Scott Corriveau, of Lewiston, Chelsea Laflamme, of Kennebunk, and Kim and Eric Johnson, of Waterboro; brother Gary Eldridge and his wife Diane, of Acton; and sisters Becky Reed, of Wakefield, New Hampshire, and Cindi Pike of Rochester, New Hampshire; and father-in-law Ron Drapeau, of Auburn; grandchildren, Emma and Olivia Noonan, Colby Leavitt, Bennett and Charlotte Deveaux, Savannah Perry, and Brayden and Jordyn Corriveau; many cousins, nephews and a niece.

An interment ceremony with full military honors will be performed on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 1 p.m., at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery, in Springvale.

A brief celebration of life ceremony will then be held at Atlantic Pines Golf Club, at Old Marsh, in Wells at 2:30 p.m., immediately followed by a reception and time to visit. All are invited to attend any or all of the events as it suits you.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Aable Cremation Service, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed; condolences and memories shared at www.aablecremationservice.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Bruce to support cancer research and patient care via dana-farber.org/gift.

DOROTHY E. BERNIER

WATERVILLE – Dorothy Emily (Cote) Bernier, 98, of Waterville, passed away on Wednes­day, October 22, 2025, at her home. She was the youngest daughter of Stella (Proulx) and Onezime Cote who were blessed with a total of nine children.

Always a tight family, at one point five of the adult siblings all lived on the same street. While Dot didn’t have any children of her own, she was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews and a caring Godmother to quite a few as well. She was a lifetime member of the Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville/Winslow, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, at Notre Dame Church.

After graduation from Waterville High School, Dottie worked locally for downtown merchants. She met her husband Joe while walking home on her lunch break. He strolled beside Dot and struck up a conversation. The pair was smitten. After a year of courtship, they married on May 28, 1949. They enjoyed taking trips to Las Vegas, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. She loved playing golf at Natanis Golf Course, in Vassalboro, as well as Beano at the VFW, in Winslow.

Joe passed away in 1995, but as a Mainer she “kept on trucking”. Dot could often be seen out in the yard on her knees “tidying up” the grass with a pair of scissors.

A Mass of Christian burial was held at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, on Saturday, November 1, followed by a burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street.

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.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice.

BLAINE A. ELLIOTT

SKOWHEGAN – Blaine A Elliott, 78, passed away peacefully at Togus VA Hospital, in Augusta, on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Blaine was born in Hartland, October 27, 1946, to Leon and Doris (Cool) Elliott. Blaine served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1968 and served seven years in the National Guard. He earned his GED from Skowhegan Area High School.

Blaine married Shawna in 1970, and they spent 55 years together. Blaine was an all-around handy man and spent many years working in various positions in area shoe shops. He retired from New Balance. He liked to hunt and fish when he was able, often taking his children and grandchildren with him.

Blaine is survived by his wife Shawna; son Jason Elliott; and daughters Tammy Elliott and Heather Elliott; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his only remaining sibling, Barrie Elliott and wife Cyndy; stepson Randy Bowden.

He was predeceased by his parents, six siblings and many other family members.

Services and burial will be in the spring and will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, ME.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the Staples Funeral Home website www.StaplesFuneralHome.com.

DONALD G. FOURNIER

WATERVILLE – Donald Gerard Fournier, 65, died on Friday, October 24, 2025. He was born on February 25, 1960, the son of Donald J. and Lauretta (Blier) Fournier.

People who knew Don, knew that he had an exceptional work ethic, was a volunteer extraordinaire, had a generous heart, and was always helping anyone who needed anything.

Donald was predeceased by his parents; his nephew, Benjamin Fike; mother-in-law, Normande P. Rossignol; and sister-in-law, Sherry (Blais) Rossignol.

He is survived by his wife, Amy Rossignol Fournier; sisters Denise Fournier, Claire Gargiulo, Jeanne Fournier (Fike), and Renee Fournier; a son-in-law to Philippe J. Rossignol; and brother-in-law to Scott Fike, Mark and Elena R. Desjardins, and Eric P. Rossignol; nephew and niece, Anthony Gargiulo and Ava Rossignol; and an uncle to Sarah Gargiulo (DJ Kunec), Megan Gargiulo, Catherine Fike, and Sarah Rossignol.

A private Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville, followed by an interment in St. Bruno Catholic Cemetery, in Van Buren.

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.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Avian Haven, 418 N. Palermo Rd., Freedom, ME 04941, or the, Travis Mills Foundation, 647 Castle Island Rd., Mt. Vernon, ME 04352.

DOUGLAS S. GRAY

WATERVILLE – Douglas Gray, 69, of Waterville, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025. He was born on September 21, 1956, in Waterville, the son of Prudence and Allen Gray.

He grew up in East Vassalboro and spent most of his life in the central Maine area. Doug was a graduate of Waterville High School. Throughout his life he worked as a carpenter for many area construction companies.

Douglas was predeceased by his parents Prudence and Allen Gray, brother Gary, and sister-in-law Paula.

He is survived by his sisters Ann Gray Paoletti and husband Stephen, of East Millinocket, Lynne Gray, of East Vassalboro; nephews and nieces Jeremy, Joshua and Erin Gray, Travis Clark and wife Amy, Sarah Gordon and husband Dave.

As requested by Doug, there will be no visitation, and the family will have a private service at a later date.

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 www.gallantfh.com.

ANDREW L. RICHARDS

WHITEFIELD – Andrew “Andy” L. Richards, 39, passed away Wed­nesday, Octo­ber 29, 2025, at his home following a brief illness. He was born in Waterville, on July 21, 1986, a son of Mark S. and Marie Lynn L (Cote) Richards. Andy was a graduate of Maranacook High School, in Readfield.

He was predeceased by his grandparents; and his aunt, Velma Pelletier.

Andy is survived by his parents Mark S. and Marie Lynn L (Cote) Richards, of Whitefield; a brother, Scott M. Richards, of Whitefield; multiple aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews; and his very special friend, Melissa Taylor.

A celebration of Andy’s life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Governor Hill Mansion, 136 State St., Augusta.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences, stories, and photo’s may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com

In lieu of flowers please send a donation in Andy’s name to the Coffin Lowry Syndrome Foundation (CLS), 159 Knockash Hill, Madison, AL 35756, or at “coffinlowry.org”, using the CLSDonation Form at the bottom of the page.

ANDREW COUTURE

WATERVILLE – Andrew Couture, 63, passed away following a courageous battle with cancer.

Andy was a busy child always looking to help neighbors with their outdoor chores. If it had a motor, he was interested in using it and wanted to see how fast it would go. Andy was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his daughter.

Andy attended Sacred Heart School, in Waterville, and graduated from Waterville Senior High in 1981. Andrew worked for various building contractors in the area constructing and remodeling homes and buildings. He always took great pride in his craftsmanship with any job he did. Prior to his retirement he worked for Paul Grenier Construction.

Andy was predeceased by his parents Reginald J. and Orita M. Couture; brother, Dana; grandparents; and many aunts and uncles.

Andy is survived by his daughter, Alicia Lemieux (Seth); sisters Diana Patterson (Ken), Linda Bard (Steven), Debra Cusick (Bill); nephew, Ben Bard; and niece Lilly Cusick; grandchildren Taylor, Anastasia and Paislee Lemieux; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Friday November 7, 2025, at 9 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., in Waterville, with burial following at St. Francis Cemetery, on Grove St., in Waterville.