Bernard A. Doucette

Mr. Bernard Doucette, of Lewiston, passed away at the age of 97 on August 3, 2009. He is survived by his son, Richard Doucette, of Hainesville, Florida; daughter-in-law, Patricia Doucette, of San Diego, California; grandchildren Bob Doucette, of San Diego, California, Tim Monteil-Doucette, of Highland, California, and Leah Doucette Daniel, of Los Angeles, California; as well as by his beloved great-grandchildren, Aaron Daniel, Noah Daniel, Whitney Doucette, Adam Doucette, Marshall Monteil-Doucette, and Emily Monteil-Doucette. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 24, 1911, Bernard Anthony Doucette, who preferred to be called “Bud,” was a Christmas present to all who were fortunate enough to know him throughout his long life. Despite stark realities which resulted in his residing for several of his early years at the Catholic Home for Destitute Children, Bud was never bitter, but rather grateful to the priests and parish families who reached out to him during that difficult period. His oft-shared stories of his youthful adventures reflected the optimism and humor with which he embraced life. As a young man, Bud was eager to work and performed a variety of jobs, from delivering telegrams to Burlesque dancers to delivering milk from a horse-drawn buggy. Eventually he made his way to Maine, where he fell in love and married Dorothy Briggs; together they had four sons: Robert, Richard, Donald, and Ronald. Meanwhile, Bud learned the art of hand-sewing and proudly made fine shoes for the E. E. Taylor Company. As his sons grew up and the shoe companies closed down, he went to work for the Maine Turnpike Authority; Bud enjoyed greeting people as they passed through his toll booth and recently said his only regret was having retired so “early,” at age eighty-nine. Bud was blessed with robust health, perpetually-youthful good looks, and a zest for life. He enjoyed antique shops, collecting jewelry, and traveling. He particularly loved “the big, blue sky” of California and visited often, celebrating life with his great-grandchildren. Bud treasured his friends at home, as well. Of special significance in his life were the late Mrs. Josephine Ray; Mrs. Esther Adams; his late sister, Mrs. Ruby Bowles; his nephews, Norman Bowles and Bobby Bowles; his nieces, Marsha Rutledge and June Celebi; and his great-niece, Tina Bowles. Bud will be remembered for his quiet strength, grace in adversity, and the joy he brought to those who knew and loved him; he and his smile will be sorely missed. NOTICE- Doucette- Died in Lewiston August 3, 2009. Mr. Bernard “Bud” A. Doucette, age 97 years.Funeral Services will be held at Pinette and Lynch Funeral Home at 10:00 am on Monday September 21, 2009, with graveside services at Mount Auburn Cemetery at 11:00am. Memorial donations may be made to the Daughters of Charity, 96 Menands Road, Albany, NY 12204. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com Arrangements by Pinette & Lynch Funeral Home 305 Alfred Plourde Parkway Lewiston, ME 04240. 784-4023