Arthur was born in Mexico on March 11, 1935 to Lawrence and Valeria Holt Bordeau. He graduated from Mexico High School in 1953. He enlisted in the US Army and was proud to be a member of the 101st Airborne. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education at the University of North Texas. He began teaching in Texas then moved back to Maine to teach English then Special Education in several local schools. Many of his former students and their parents often refer to him as their “favorite” teacher.
In 1972, he married Janice Bernard and they celebrated nearly 47 years of marriage. Arthur was a jack of all trades and with the help of family and friends, built their dream home in Mexico where they live today. Raising seven children usually required Arthur to supplement his teaching career with several other jobs such as part time police officer, summer construction and carpentry, and logging, but his true love was farming. He raised many different farm animals and was never happier than driving his tractor through the hay field. He also owned and operated Sonny’s Diner in Mexico in the 80’s. His Coca-Cola collection is legendary.
Arthur spent many years as a selectman for the Town of Mexico. He was a communicant of the Holy Savior Catholic Church. He had been a member of the Mexico Lions Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles, the American Legion, and LeParesseux (Snowshoe Club).
Surviving are his wife of 47 years Janice (Bernard) Bordeau of Mexico; and his children, Paula Wyman and husband Jerry of California; Rene Parsons and husband Michael of Rumford Point, Michael Bordeau and wife Beth of Peru, Thomas Bordeau of Rumford, Joseph Bordeau of Peru and their mother, Margaret Bordeau; sons, Eric Bordeau and wife Stephanie of North Carolina, and Ryan Bordeau and wife Brandy of Peru; a sister, Laura Newell of California; grandchildren, Eric, Dan, Robyn, Justin, Tommy, Frank, Kaleb, Kristie, Chelsea, Jean Luc, Abriel, Jessica, Zoey and Nathan; and great grandchildren, Blake, Benjamin, Forest, Miles and Bradley.
He was predeceased by his parents, a special granddaughter Angela Bordeau in 2010 and siblings, Lorna, Muriel, Irene, Beryl, Gene and twin Althea.
The family would like to thank all of Arthur’s wonderful caregivers and his nurses and therapists from Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice and from the VA.
If so desired contributions in Arthur’s memory may be made to Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice 15 Strawberry Ave Lewiston, ME 04240.
