OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 8, 2020

PAUL J. SIROIS

WATERVILLE – Paul J. Sirois, 68, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2020, at Maine Medical Center. He was born in Waterville on March 30, 1952, the son of Louis and Cecile (Bolduc) Sirois.

He graduated from Waterville High School in 1970 and from the University of Maine Farmington in 1974. He later earned a master’s degree in literacy from the University of Maine Orono.

Paul was passionate about his career as an elementary education teacher. He taught at Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, for ten years, and then moved on to Windsor Elementary School, where he worked until his retirement in 2012. It was there that he met his soulmate, Beverly Hallett, when they were interviewing for the same position. Fortunately, they were both hired and their relationship grew. They were married in Waterville on December 9, 1989. Soon afterwards they started their family.

Paul was the proud father of three sons. His greatest joy was spending time with them. He got up early, juggled schedules, and traveled all across Maine and New England attending their games and school events, and made lots of friends along the way. In the summer, Paul hosted pool parties and swimming lessons for family and friends in his backyard pool. He and Bev enjoyed gardening, and planted a variety of colorful perennials around the pool. Paul was a history buff and an armchair political pundit. He loved sharing his insight and views about world affairs, and was a sharp critic of the current administration.

Paul was devoted to his family. When Bev’s health started to decline, he spent several years caring for her at home. He took over the cooking responsibilities when his wife was no longer able to, and he became a talented chef by tweaking old family recipes and watching the food network. He hosted Thanksgiving dinner every year for his large extended family. Paul taught all three of his sons to cook, and in recent years, they would gather every Sunday to prepare and enjoy a meal together.

Paul was predeceased by his wife; his parents; and his brother, Eugene.

He is survived by his sons Joshua, of Portland, Joseph, of Yarmouth, and Jacob, of Yarmouth; his sisters, Celia, of South Weymouth, Massachusetts, Anne, of Saco, Colette, of Saco, and Elizabeth (Robert) Letellier, of Biddeford; and a brother, Thomas (Janet), of Randolph; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID restrictions, a celebration of Paul’s life will take place in the spring.

RONALD C. YOUNG

WATERVILLE – Ronald “Ron” C. Young, 62, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2020, in Augusta. He was born on October 16, 1957.

He moved from Florida to Maine nearly 30 years ago where he met his life partner, Marlene. Ron was an outdoors man who loved fishing, archery and target practice. He also enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his son, Jason Roderick, and his wife Jen Roderick and their children Dylan, Taylor and Jason Jr.; his daughter, Tammy LaBelle and husband Todd LaBelle and their children Amber Hash and husband David Hash, Alisha Mills and wife Kristin Mills, and Todd LaBelle Jr.; his great-grandchildren, Aaliyah Caouette, Landyn Caouette-Nye and Bella Hash; uncles Mike and Charlie.

He was predeceased by his partner, Marlene Alley, and his great-grandson Quincy Caouette.

There will be a private service for immediate family only.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

WILLIAM F. HARRISON JR.

OAKLAND – William “Bill” F. Harrison, Jr., 76, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2020, at his home, in Oakland. He was born April 4, 1944, in Manhattan, New York, the son of William F. Sr. and Kathleen (Reynolds) Harrison.

He attended Asension Grammar School and graduated from LaSalle Academy, in 1961. He graduated from St. Michael’s College, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, class of 1965, then began working for the Internal Revenue Service. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served two years in Korea, returned home in 1968 and resumed his career with the IRS, retiring in 2002.

Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed researching trips and traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda, and Ireland. He and his wife, Jane, traveled extensively and spent winters in South Carolina. He loved his grandchildren “to the moon and back” and spending time with them.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Barbara Jane (Bradford) Harrison, of Oakland; two sons, Stephen Harrison and wife Trishann, of Winthrop, and Bryan Harrison; sister, Mary Munoz and husband Martin, of Mt. Kisco, New York; and brother, John Harrison, of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania; step-daughter, Tammy Linkfield and husband Ken, of Frisco, Texas; step-son, Todd Bradford and wife Rosemary, of Silver Spring, Maryland; granddaughter, Sydney Harrison, of Winthrop; grandson, Logan Harrison, of Winthrop; step-grandsons, Zachary, Alex, and Conor Linkfield, all of Frisco, Texas, Ethan Bradford, of Silver Spring, Maryland.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, October 15, 2020, at 2 p.m., at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Bill’s memory to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852, or a charity of choice.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

CLIFFORD STOWERS

FAIRFIELD – Clifford Stowers passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2020. He was born May 10, 1923, in Andover, Massachusetts, the son of Dr. Nathaniel and Anna Stowers.

Growing up he attended Andover Public Schools and Phillips Academy. He graduated from the first class of the Maine Maritime Academy in 1943.

During World War II, he served first as a Chief Mate in the Merchant Marines in the Atlantic, and later as a Lieutenant JG in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Whiteside AKA-90 in the Pacific.

Following the war, he attended Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, where he earned a BS in Chemistry and met Peggy Smith, whom he married in 1948. Upon graduation from Bowdoin, he moved to Fairfield, and worked as a research chemist at Keyes Fibre Company (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville, for 37 years, and was issued several patents as a result of his work.

Cliff, as many people knew him, was very active in the local community. He belonged to the Fairfield United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for many years. He and Peggy also performed in numerous local choral and theatrical productions. He was a Scoutmaster and Kennebec Valley District Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America. In addition, over the years he and Peggy mentored numerous local youths. He was one of the founders of the Fairfield Police Athletic League, worked with the United Way, and the Fairfield Council of Churches.

He was a member of the Masons, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Trouts Unlimited, the NRA, American Radio Relay League, and the International Occultations Timing Association.

He loved the outdoors, hunting, fly-fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, RVing, amateur radio (K1QIG), and astronomy.

He is survived by his son George Stowers and his wife Anne, of Altmar, New York; daughter Sandra Grimsley, of Buford, Georgia; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic health risks, an in-person celebration of Cliff’s life will not be held at this time.

A Facebook group, Clifford Stowers – A Celebration of His Life, has been created to allow family and friends to share fond memories.

Donations in Cliff’s memory may be made to the Fairfield United Methodist Church, Route 201, Fairfield, ME 04937.

BEVERLY N. NEWTON

WATERVILLE – Beverly Norton Newton, 86, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2020, at the Woodlands Senior Living Center, in Waterville. She was born June 18, 1934, in Winthrop, the only child of the late Calvin Ellsworth and Marjorie Abigail Briggs Norton.

She attended schools in Readfield and Buckfield and married Carlton Ellsworth Newton in August of 1951, in West Paris. They made their home in Pittsfield, until his death in 1984. They had two children together, Randall Calvin Newton and Rhonda Lee Newton.

They both passed away in 2004.

Beverly belonged to the garden club in Pittsfield for many years, which may account for her stunning gardens. She belonged to many historical societies as her love of genealogy grew. She loved her family and researched their genealogy well on all family sides. She was an accomplished artist. Her family has been blessed with many of her paintings. She was blessed with lots of family and friends that have been by her side. Their contact is what made her life at home possible. Her life’s motto was the song “I did it my way”!

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic there will be a private service.

Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at http://www.chandlerfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Buckfield Historical Society, c/o Linda Cooper, 62 Bean Rd., Buckfield, ME 04220.

HARVEY LEE BUREAU

WATERVILLE – Harvey Lee Bureau, 84, passed away Monday, September 28, 2020, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. He was born March 22, 1936, in Waterville, the son of Harvey J. and Gladys (Breard) Bureau.

He was a graduate of Waterville Senior High School, class of 1954. On December 30, 1983, he married the former Julie Lemieux, in Waterville. He worked for many years as a Mill Wright for Huhtamaki, in Waterville, until his retirement in 1998. He had also previously worked for L.N Violette, in Fairfield, for 16 years and served in the Naval Reserves for 30 years.

He was a member of Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville, and enjoyed antique cars, flying, and the U.S. Navy.

He was an avid hockey fan and served as an ice hockey coach for 49 years at Waterville High School, Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, Winslow High School and Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, as well as youth hockey.

Harvey is survived by his wife of 36 years, Julie (Lemieux) Bureau, of Waterville; three sons, Timothy Bureau and wife Lisa, of Stafford, Virginia, Daniel Bureau and wife Jan, of Fairfield, Patrick Bureau, of Westbrook; and daughter, Peggy Knox and husband Matt, of Seal Harbor; two grandsons, Nicholas Bureau and wife Sarah, of Stafford, Virginia, and Alex Bureau and wife Alee, of Alexandria, Virginia; four granddaughters, Amy Jefferson and husband John, of Sidney, Melanie Bureau, of Portland, Eliza Bureau, of Westbrook, and Sarah Knox, of Seal Harbor; great-grandchildren, Brooke and Sadie Jefferson, of Sidney, Jack Bureau, of Stafford, Virginia; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; and sister, Joy Montminy Wilder.

A graveside service will be held at a later date 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.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Harvey’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association Maine, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.

RICHARD C. BOUTIN

WATERVILLE – Richard “Dick” C. Boutin, 87, passed away Monday, September 28, 2020, at his home, in Waterville. He was born December 14, 1932, in Waterville, the son of John and Jennie (Bamford) Boutin.

Dick graduated from Winslow High School and Thomas Business College, in Waterville, and also attended Husson College, in Bangor.

He was employed as District Circulation Manager for the Portland Press Herald, in Portland. He was married to Elaine (Poulin) Boutin, of Winslow.

Dick was very active in the Winslow Congregational Church, serving as Deacon Emeritus, sexton, on the council member audit committee, bible study book club, and acted as fellowship coordinator.

Dick is survived by his daughter, Lisa Sandy and husband Mark, of Vassalboro; son, Peter Boutin, of North Carolina; his grandson, Benjamin Sandy; sister, Jacqueline Gregoire, of Westbrook; two nephews, John Gregoire and wife Linda, of Windham, and Jim Gregoire, of New Hampshire; and Allison Woodside, who was like a granddaughter.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Dick’s memory to Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, Winslow, Maine 04901.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.”

VIRGINIA WHITTEMORE

JAY – Virginia “Ginny” Whittemore, 93, formerly of Rumford and Jay, passed away Wed—nesday, September 30, 2020, at Avita of Brunswick where she had resided for the past year. She was born May 5, 1927, in Livermore, the daughter of Walter S. Goding and Elsie M. (Campbell) Goding.

She was a 1945 graduate of Jay High School. On January 28, 1950 in Livermore, she married Wallace A. Whittemore. They enjoyed 40 years together before his passing on December 29, 1990.

Through the years Ginny worked for the Livermore Falls Advertiser and the Brunswick Times Record as a linotype operator; she later worked as a clerical secretary at Lazarou Motors, in Mexico, and Bailey Brothers, in Livermore Falls, retiring in 1989.

She was a member of the Eaton Memorial Methodist Church, the Woman’s Club, Jay-Livermore Falls Senior Citizens, and AARP Wilton Tri-County Chapter.

Ginny’s passion in life were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She would provide guidance and support for each of them in whatever way they needed in pivotal times in their lives. Ginny enjoyed traveling with her children. She had visited with them in Italy, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and all over the United States.

Ginny was also a very active woman. She loved dancing and interacting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they participated in activities throughout the lives. She mowed her vast acreage in Jay until 89 years of age, hiked many a mountain and trail in Maine and Utah, and loved to take long walks. She loved her home in Jay across from her childhood home. She and her husband grew tons of vegetables, canning many and cultivating a huge raspberry bed that she and the children labored to harvest.

Ginny was a kind, compassionate, generous, gallant and positive person. She was dedicated to her church and participated whole heartedly in their activities.

She is survived by her daughters, Susan Lajoie and husband, Donovan, of Acton, Marilyn Reed, of Weeks Mills, Kathryn Hollicker and husband, John, of Spruce Head, Laurie Ann Onos and husband, David, of South Portland; her son Alan D. Whittemore and wife, Xiu, of Limestone; 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Wallace, her sister, Barbara Whittemore, and brothers, Robert, Frank, Kenneth and Phillip.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.

EUGENE W. RANCOURT

WATERVILLE – Eugene Wallace Rancourt, 89, passed away, following a long illness, on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Eugene was born in Waterville on March 13, 1931, the son of Norbert A. and Marie belle (Bolduc) Rancourt.

In July 1950, he married the former Veronica Zimba, of Fairfield, spending the next 69 years together.

Eugene was in the United States Army for a number of years, and then spent the next 40 years at Scott Paper Company, in Winslow, until he retired. He enjoyed time with his family on Snow Pond (Messalonskee Lake), going to the coast for lobster, taking trips out of state and playing slot machines.

Eugene was predeceased by his wife Veronica; his son, Rodney; parents, Norbert and Marie belle Rancourt; his sisters, Justine Fisher, Jeannette Harding, Dorothy Fisher, Gloria Floyd and Madeline Pooler; brothers, Francis, Wilbur, John, Frederick and Richard; and stepmother, Grace Ames Rancourt.

He is survived by son, Daniel and wife Gail, of Oakland; grandsons, Christopher Rancourt and fiancée Rae Ann Dennis, of Waterville, Corey Rancourt and wife Danica, of Sidney; great-grandchildren, Logan, Landon, Jayden, Bentley and Jasmin; and brother, Raymond Rancourt.

At the family’s request there will be a private burial.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

SANDRA N. MARTIN

FAIRFIELD – Sandra N. Martin, 77, passed away, in Fairfield, on Friday, October 2, 2020. Sandra, daughter of the late Madeline (Champine) Noel, was born in Waterville, October 20, 1942.

She attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School and graduated from Lawrence High School, both in Fairfield.

Sandra was a long-time homemaker and was later employed as a teller for many years, before becoming head teller at Keyes Fibre Credit Union, in Waterville, before retiring. She was a life-long communicant at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, in Fairfield, and Corpus Christi Catholic Church, in Waterville. Sandra was a dedicated catechism teacher, teaching children an early love of God.

Sandra was talented in many ways, such as cooking, sewing, cake decorating, baking, knitting, crocheting, and crafting. She had a love of gardening both flowers and vegetables, and singing karaoke with her husband, Nathan. Sandra was an avid card player and enjoyed playing cards on Friday nights with friends and family.

Among everything, Sandra most cherished her trips to the Maine coast with her husband and spending time with her children and grandchildren at her camp on Messalonskee Lake (Snow Pond), kayaking, paddle boating, and playing cornhole.

She was predeceased by her son, Steven Keith Martin; her sister, Jacqueline, and her brothers, Donald and Roger.

Sandra is survived by her husband Nathan Martin, of Fairfield; two daughters, Rhonda Forsythe and her husband Jeff, of Falmouth, and Melinda Layne and her husband Darren, of Spring, Texas; grandchildren, Brianna Brockway and her husband Brett, of Winslow, Meagan Schmiemann and her husband Nick, of Boston, Massachusetts, Garrett Shibley, of Spring,Texas, Faith Forsythe, of Boston, Massachusetts, Nicholas Shibley, and Matthew Shibley, of Spring, Texas; and a niece, Velvet Noel, of Waterville, and other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville, on Tuesday, October 6. Burial followed at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Waterville.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

EDWARD J. KING

OAKLAND – Edward “Bud” John King was born on June 6, 1923 in Rome, Maine, to John and Jessie (Blaisdell) King.

Bud began working at a young age and spoke fondly of late nights spent selling popcorn on Main Street, in Oakland. His strong work ethic, developed early, remained with him for the rest of his life.

In 1940, on a blind date, he met the love of his life, Josephine Thibeau. It must have been one hell of a date, as neither went on another with anyone besides each other. On December 29, 1943, in Leesburg, Florida, Bud and Jo were married. After 74 years of marriage, Bud’s love for Jo was as strong as ever: he’d never introduce her as “his wife” but always as “his bride.”

Bud enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served in the Pacific Theater on Saipan during World War II. Upon his return, he managed Michaud’s Market, in Oakland, before eventually becoming owner and changing the name to Bud’s Food Center, where he worked for many years. While working, he and Jo also built their own house, which they finished in 1952. Built with plenty of large windows so that warm sunlight poured in, Bud spent countless mornings there drinking coffee, reading the newspaper, and reading historical nonfiction.

In 1957, Bud and Jo welcomed their daughter Dru into the world. Bud was active in many community organizations and events throughout the years, but the one that stands out the most is the annual Messalonskee Thanksgiving dinner. Bud got the idea from working in the store, where he spoke to people who had no one with whom to spend Thanksgiving. Bud, along with Mike Marston, decided to host an event where the community could come together to share a good meal and good conversation. The meal now serves more than 1,500 people at Messalonskee High School, in Oakland. As recently as last year, Bud was there, making the rounds, chatting with attendees and volunteers. Bud was a generous, hardworking, and kind man, who exuded positivity and warmth. Even during his final days, when asked how he was doing, he insisted, with a smile, that he was “percolating.”

Bud was predeceased by his bride, Josephine King, his parents, John and Jessie King; and his brother, Paul King (wife Jean).

He is survived by his daughter, Dru Aslam (husband Sunny, who provided years of love and care to both Bud and Jo), of Belgrade; his grandson Jai Aslam, of Raleigh, North Carolina (partner Aneri Pattani ,of Cheshire, Connecticut); step-grandsons Sharif Aslam, of Chesterville, Sunny Aslam, Jr., of Jamesville, New York, and Ali Aslam (wife Rebecca), of North Grafton, Massachusetts; second daughter Connie Brassbridge, of East Orland; niece Cindy Spurr (husband Tom), of Chuluota, Florida, nephew Paul King (wife Sue), of Lindley, New York; cousins Doug Blaisdell (wife Roxanne), of Rome, Roberta Hermans (husband Matthew) of Las Cruces, New Mexico; brother-in-law Arthur Pinkham, of Machiasport; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Due to the pandemic, a graveside service for Bud and Jo will be held in the summer of 2021.

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

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

ELEANOR S.GETCHELL

VASSALBORO – Eleanor S. Getchell, 87, passed away April 10, 2020.

A graveside service was held Saturday, October 3, 2020, at the North Vassalboro Village Cemetery, Cemetery Street.

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