Obituaries, Week of January 5, 2017

DEBRA J. BURKE

WATERVILLE ­ Debra Jean Burke, 60, of Waterville, died Thursday, December 15, 2016, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born May 20, 1956, the daughter of the late Blanche Burke.

She was a lifelong resident of Waterville.

Debra proudly worked as the head night custodian at NRF, in Augusta. She also worked at Harris Baking Co., in Waterville, for many years. Debra nursed her partner, Malcolm Brann, until his death and for several years cared for her disabled mother.

Debra was an avid reader and nature-lover who enjoyed camping, fishing and gardening. She loved animals. In recent years she acquired an interest in art and was learning to sketch and paint. She enjoyed her solitude, but she had a generous heart and was quick to share her garden bounty and help friends and neighbors in need.

She is survived by her sisters, Sharon L. Hammer and Cindy L. Burke, both of Waterville.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

RICHARD R. MERRILL

CHINA – Richard R. Merrill, 80, died unexpectedly Friday, December 16, 2016, at his home. He was born in Augusta on July 2, 1936, the son of the late Frank Merrill, Sr. and Anita C. (Ayotte) Merrill Goodchild.

Mr. Merrill attended Augusta schools and was a communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.

He had been employed by McGee Construction for 15 years. He had also worked for Caterpillar Heavy Equipment and Power Systems, City of Augusta Public Works, Isaacson Lumber Company and Sargent Corporation.

Mr. Merrill enjoyed camping, fishing, horseshoes, playing cards, gambling and hunting. Most of all he loved telling stories (reminiscing) and enjoying life.

Mr. Merrill was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Solange A. (Dulac) Merrill; a son, Richard W. “Billy” Merrill; his parents, Frank Merrill, Sr. and Anita C. (Ayotte) Merrill Goodchild; his paternal grandparents, who raised him as their own, Ernest and Clara (Lagasse) Ayotte.

He is survived by two sons: Andre Dulac and wife, of Augusta, and Ricky Merrill and wife Sarah, of Windsor, his daughter, Linda “Lynn” Ross and husband Danny, of Zephyrhills, Florida; his fiancée, Delores McCaslin, of China; Delores’ son, John McCaslin and wife Wendy, of Vassalboro; two brothers, Frank Merrill, Jr., of Eddington, and Ronald Merrill, of Chicago, Illinois; two sisters, Carlene Byrne, of Pittston and Priscilla Rideout, of Sidney; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

Memorial donations may be made to

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, Tennessee 38101-9908.

CLIFTON L. GLIDDEN

VASSALBORO – Clifton L. “Cliff” Glidden, 91, passed peacefully at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta, on Monday, December 19, 2016. Cliff was born to Ona (Kimball) Glidden and Harold (Jack) Glidden of Vassalboro.

A survivor of World War II, Cliff joined the Army and was a participant of the Normandy invasion. His many active duty awards include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, and the France Legion of Merit. He was later awarded the World War II Veteran Eagle-head Cane; and attended a luncheon at the Blaine House hosted by the Governor and Mrs. Paul LePage.

Cliff married Rita M. (Pare) Glidden on September 1, 1973, and resided in Vassalboro.

The majority of his career was spent at the City of Augusta Public Works Dept. While there Cliff initiated and led the Augusta School District School Bus Maintenance Program with a later promotion to maintenance supervisor.

Cliff and his wife, Rita, enjoyed most of their adult life camping with family and friends. As members of the Good Sam Club their camping trips led them through every state in the U.S. including an extended trip through Alaska.

He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Clarice (Glidden) Rabideau.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rita (Pare) Arbour Glidden, of Vassalboro; four sons, Dale Glidden and wife Janice, of Manchester, David Glidden and wife Pam, of Readfield, Roland Arbour and wife Jean, of Sidney, and Robert Arbour and wife Sheryl, of Readfield; 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cliff held a special bond with his granddaughter, Tamera Ellis and great-grandson, Thadd Clark.

A graveside Committal Service and Celebration of Life will be held this spring. Burial will be in the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd, Augusta.

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

Memorial donations can be made to your organization of choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta.

CLIFFORD J. FECTEAU

FAIRFIELD – Clifford James Fecteau, 65, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, December 20, 2016, at his home, in Fairfield. He was born December 15, 1951, in St. Petersburg, Florida, the son of Philmore and Georgia (Kenniston) Fecteau.

He graduated from Waterville High School class of 1970. He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the US Army until his honorable discharge and retired after 20 years of service with the Maine Air National Guard. He earned an associate degree in business administration with a major in marketing/management from Kennebec Valley Technical College in 1988 with honors. He became a building custodian at KVVC, in Fairfield, then was employed as a bookstore manager until he retired. After he retired, he opened Central Maine Textbooks which he owned and operated.

Clifford is survived by his mother, Georgia (Kenniston) Fecteau, of Waterville; brother, Thomas Little, of Westbrook; step sister, Elizabeth Glidden, of Augusta; uncle, David Kenniston, of Amherst. He was predeceased by his father, Philmore Fecteau.

Memorial donations may be made to HART of Maine, Inc., Adoption Center & Shelter for Cats, PO Box 351, Cumberland, Maine 04021 or the Humane Society-Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

DONNA M. FRENCH

FAIRFIELD – Donna Marie French, 65, passed away on Thursday December 29, 2016, following a courageous battle of many illnesses. She was born in Van Buren, October 5, 1951, the daughter of Maurice and Regina Ruel.

She was educated in the schools of Winslow and graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1971. Then continued her education and graduated from Kennebec Valley Vocational Technical Institute, KVC, and University of Maine Augusta School of Practical Nursing, and most recently, was a post-graduate in pharmacology. Donna worked at a local nursing home for 20 years until she opened French Residential Care facility for challenged adults, which she owned and operated for 15 years. She was also Queen Mother of the chapter of Red Hat Society (elegant red hat ladies).

She was predeceased by her twin sons; parents, Maurice and Regina Ruel; biological mother, Rita; biological sisters, June, Joyce and Christina McInnis; brothers, Robert King, Edward Paul King; nephew, David Goldsmith; a very special pet, Sir Rilley Ho French, a Bishon Frezie.

Donna is survived by three daughters, Rebecca Hughes and husband Mike, of Windsor, Monica Hammock and Paul Hammock, of Winslow, Tonia Savasuk and partner Keith Spencer, of Oakland; a son, Reggie French, of Windsor; daughter, Jillian French; 11 grandchildren, Samantha, Tasha, Reggie Jr, Dallas, Jillian, Jessica, Kyler, Paul Jr, Khristopher, Joshua, and Calia; two great-grandchildren, Bailey and McKenna; six biologial sisters; two biological brothers; many aunts and uncles; and a brother, Robert Ruel who was so special to her.

Memorial donations may be made to Beacon Hospice Inc. 45 Commerce Drive, Suite 12, Augusta, Maine 04330.

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

MICHAEL SPAULDING

ALBION – Michael Spaulding, 61, of Albion, passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2016. He was three days shy of his 62nd birthday when he lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. Mike was born in Waterville on January 3, 1955, the middle of three children, to Helen (Economu) and Clyde Spaulding.

He graduated from Waterville High School in 1973, and from UMaine in 1977. Shortly after graduation he married Cindy (Jones), his high school sweetheart. This coming June would have been their 40th wedding anniversary. They went on to have two children, Michel and James. Mike was a devoted father, the kind who planned lots of camping trips and never missed a game.

He retired seven years ago after working in sales for Altria for 30 years, which included a three-year stint commuting to New York City and a year in Richmond, Virginia. Among his many hobbies and interests were traveling abroad and in the U.S. with his wife, sailing the beautiful coast of Maine with Cindy on their boat, bird hunting with his beloved dog Emma, and enjoying time with his four grandchildren. Mike packed a lot of living into his 61 years. He had so many interests that he was constantly picking up side jobs over the years: volunteer firefighter in Fairfield Center, Somerset County deputy sheriff, private pilot, sports referee, bus driver, tractor services, codes enforcement officer, plumbing inspector for Albion, and many more.

Mike is survived by his wife Cynthia Jones Spaulding, of Albion, his daughter, Michel Gross and husband Alex, of Maynard, Massachusetts, son James Spaulding and wife Carol of Mt. Vernon, four grandchildren Evan and Justin of Maynard, Massachusetts, and Trinity and Tyler, of Mt. Vernon, brother Greg “Kiki” Spaulding and wife Brenda, of Oakland, sister Kathleen Spaulding, of Aurora, Colorado, brother Mark Spaulding and wife Nancy, of Randolph, brother Timothy Spaulding and wife Martha, of Chesapeake, Virginia, brother Eric Spaulding and wife Megan, of Benton.

Memorial donations may be made to his favorite charity, Pine Tree Camp, 114 Pine Tree Camp Rd., Rome, ME 04963, www.pinetreesociety.org.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

GARY C. PULLEN SR.

WINDSOR––Gary Chester Pullen Sr., 43, of Windsor, died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 17, 2016. He was born in Augusta to Gary E. Pullen and Debra E. (Hysom) Pullen on April 27, 1973,

He attended Windsor School, Erskine Academy, and graduated from Northeast Trucking School. Being a trucker was in Gary’s heart, he loved being on the road and driving big rigs.

Gary was predeceased by his sister Lynnette M. Pullen; uncle Warren Staples, and uncle Robert E. Pullen.

He will be sadly missed by his children, Alyssa Lee Pullen and Gary Chester Pullen Jr.; his mother Debra E. Pullen and father Gary E. Pullen; stepmother Wendy Gogan, Aunt Glenis Staples, aunt Louise and uncle Fred O’Clair, Aunt Sheila Hysom, uncle Jerry Day and Aunt Carlene Day; nephew Dakoda Cole; and many cousins.

CLIFTON L. GLIDDEN

VASSALBORO––­­Clifton L. “Cliff” Glidden, 91, passed away at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta on Monday, December 19, 2016. Cliff was born to Ona (Kimball) Glidden and Harold (Jack) Glidden, of Vassalboro.

Cliff joined the Army and was a participant of the Normandy invasion. His many active duty awards include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, and the France Legion of Merit. He was later awarded the WWII Veteran Eagle-head Cane, and attended a luncheon at the Blaine House hosted by the Governor and Mrs. LePage. A survivor of WWII, he was considered a member of this world’s “greatest generation.”

The majority of his career was spent at the City of Augusta Public Works Dept. While there Cliff initiated and led the Augusta School District School Bus Maintenance Program with a later promotion to maintenance supervisor.

Cliff and his wife, Rita, enjoyed most of their adult life camping with family and friends. As members of the Good Sam Club, their camping trips led them thru every state in the US including an extended trip through Alaska.

Cliff married Rita M. (Pare) Glidden on September 1, 1973, and resided in Vassalboro.

He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Clarice (Glidden) Rabideau.\

He is survived by Rita; Dale and Jan, of Manchester, David and Pam, of Readfield, Roland and Jean, of Sidney, Robert and Sheryl, of Readfield; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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

Memorial donations can be made to your organization of choice.

CANDACE R. HILL

OAKLAND––Candace Ruth Hill died Tuesday, December 27, 2016, in Oakland. Born September 24, 1952, in Wakefield, Rhode Island, she spent her life helping others as a social worker, a bookstore owner, an educator, a health-care administrator, and a uniquely generous person.

She is survived by her husband, Stephen Collins; sons Sterling and Baron Collins-Hill; her father; her sister and her brother. She regarded family, friends, and others who connected with her life as gifts that she received.

Memorial donations may be made to the nonprofit Community Dental Center, 93 Main St., Waterville ME 04901.

NICHOLAS SHANE TYLER

FAIRFIELD––Nicholas (Nic) Shane “Tyler, 27, died unexpectedly at his residence on Wednesday, December 28, 2016. He was born in Waterville, on July 7, 1989, the son of Robin and Tammy (Coro) Tyler.

A 2008 graduate of Cony High School, Nic attended Lawrence High School until 2006, and strongly identified with Bulldog athletics, especially football and basketball. Nic could not dunk a basketball, but that never stopped him from trying. He also thought that the three-point line was added to the rules of the game with him in mind. He was also a fan of the Miami Dolphins.

Nic remained active in sports after high school. He did not invent disc golf, but he was confident that he could perfect the game if given the chance.

Blessed with a wide social network in center Maine, Nic was a stout friend to many. He was especially close to Robert Hubbard, who died in 2012.

Nic was a skilled telemarketer, employed by Integrated Sales Solutions and Great Falls Marketing, and was on a management track at the time of his death.

He is survived by his wife, Kylie Paige Cheever Tyler; four daughters, Madilynn June, Amileya Marie, Annelise Paige and Gwendolyn Shyann Tyler; brothers Travis

Tyler and Benn Tyler; and sisters, Monica Gunning, Tia Brawn.

An online guestboook may be signed and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the Asthma Research Center of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

OTHERS DEPARTED

MAGGIE J. BROOKS, 96, of Bocawen, New Hampshire, passed away on Friday, December 2, 2016. Locally, she is survived by brother-in-law Donald LaCroix, of Fairfield, and niece Evelyn Knights, of Fairfield.

ROBERT R. SOOHEY, 77, of Bremen, passed awat on Thursday, December 8, 2016, at the Togus VA Facility, in Augusta. Locally, he is survived by a son, Robert S. Soohey and wife Teresa, of Whitefield, and twin grandsons, Robert and Stephen Soohey.

MICHAEL J. BAUCOM, 60, of Gardiner, passed away on Friday, December 9, 2016. Locally, he is survived by a stepson, David Curtis and wife Kelly, of Windsor.

DENNIS W. HUTCHINGS, 76, of Cathedral City, California, passed away on Friday, December 9, 2016. Locally, he is survived by great-grandchildren Hannah Owen, of Windsor, and Allen Albert, of Waterville.

MARY J. EGELER, 84, of Cornville, passed away on Monday, December 12, 2016, at her home. Locally, she is survived by a daughter Wendy Sylvain and husband Shawn Sherman, of Benton.

KEVIN A. JOHNSON, 46, of Monmouth, passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 15, 2016. Locally, he is survived by his fiancée Janet Patterson, of Oakland; and brother David D. Johnson Sr. and wife Cherry, of Waterville.

DOROTHY A. SAUNDERS, 94, of Blackstone, Massachusetts, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2016, at St. Camillus Health Center. Locally, she is survived by and won, Lee M. Saunders and wife Darlene, of Jefferson.

AGNES E. MILLS, 82, of Mount Vernon, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2016, at Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Karen Bowden and husband Bob, of Whitefield.

JACQUELINE BUMFORD, 84, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 17, 2016. Locally, she is survived by grandsons Scott Bumford and wife Kim, of Oakland, Michael Bumford, of Windsor.

MONA RIDLEY, 87, of Nobleboro, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, following a long period of ill health. Locally, she is survived by her grandchildren Sarah Ridley Geroux and husband Jamie, of Jefferson, and great-grandchildren Cody Beaucage and Kaleigh Beaucage, both of Jefferson.

FLORENCE M. CARRELL, 91, of Belgrade, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, in Augusta. Locally, she is survived by sons Jon Carrell, of Augusta, and Robert Carrell and wife Linda, of Vassalboro.

BETTY JEAN WILLETTE, 49, of Smithfield, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2016. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Marta Bourque, of Oakland; grandchildren Aliya and Bryson; siblings, Roger and wife Donna, of China, Ronnie and Lorraine Cox, of Freedom, Peter and wife Alnetta, of Unity, William and wife Kathy, of China, and Madelyn Morgan, of Clinton, and Arthur and wife Beth, of Waterville.

JEAN ANN BOURGOIN DIERIG, 62,s of Wichita Falls, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2016. Locally, she is survived by her mother, Jeannette Bourgoin, and a brother John Bourgoin and wife Carmen, all of Winslow.

NOEL E. GILBERT, 83 of Chelsea, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2016. Locally, he is survived by sons Michel Gilbert and wife Denise, and Jeffrey Gilbert and partner Tina Murray, all of South China.