Michael Thomas Vaillancourt

New Mexico - As the sun was rising over a pristine day in Albuquerque, NM on October 19, 2023, another stubborn, proud veteran passed away. Michael Vaillancourt, born to Gerard and Rosella in Van Buren, ME faced many difficult challenges with bravery and an unmatchable fortitude.

Michael’s first language was French, he was educated in Lewiston schools and enlisted to serve in the Army. He achieved the rank of staff Sargent during his tour of duty in Vietnam as a helicopter crew chief. Back home he was employed by Bath Iron Works where he held positions as a welder, clerk, supervisor and painter retiring after 37 years in 2011.

His family was his top priority, assisting and supporting whenever and however he could. His children and grandchildren were a constant joy, an occasional challenge but always well loved. Michael enjoyed reading, playing cribbage, doing diamond paintings, watching the seals frolic at Ft Popham and traveling.

Although some physical limitations slowed him down, he continued to check off items on his own bucket list to Coronado, Florida, Canada, Alaska, Outer Banks of NC, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and visiting his relatives locally, from the County, Albuquerque and his beloved NC grandsons. In recent summers the good weather found him zipping around the back roads of ME in the Miata always taking time to savor the views. By his own admission he claimed to have a lived a wonderful life.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine, daughters Melissa, her husband Max Lindley, Ashley and partner Arthur Ware, and Katie with her husband Shawn Lucas. His grandchildren are Ella, Adaline, Colton, Raiden, Daxon and Alec with bonus grandsons Reece, Ryker and Rennen. He will be truly missed by his sister, Sylvia, brother Duane, and sister in law, Candice, many nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins.

He was predeceased by both parents, sons Kevin and Donald, as well as siblings Patrick, Geraldine, Danny and Roger.

The family invites you to a time of visitation on November 7th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at The Fortin Group Funeral Home, 70 Horton ST, LEWISTON. A Committal service with military honors will be held on November 8th at 1:00pm at Maine Veterans Cemetery on Blue Star Highway (Old Cemetery).

Donations in Mike's name may be made to the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 199, Georgetown ME 04548

You may offer your condolences or share your many memories of Mike with the family at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com