OBITUARY
Roy Lee Ouellette
January 9, 1953 – December 22, 2012
Portland – Roy Ouellette died on Saturday, December 22 at the age of 59 due to a stroke. A broadcast engineer of over 25 years, Roy worked at Encompass Digital Media in Stamford, Connecticut. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and communicating on his Ham Radio. On the weekends, you could find him riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle or picking fiddleheads. He began a family tradition of over 20 years camping at Sebago Lake State Park. Roy will always be remembered by his family and friends as an amazing father and husband, living to provide for his family and make someone’s day brighter. Roy was born on January 9, 1953 in Caribou, Maine. He was the youngest of six born to Blanche and Vincent Ouellette. He met his wife, Leslie, in Presque Isle where she attended college. They married in 1974 and moved to Portland to start their family together. He is predeceased by an infant son, Benjamin. He is survived by his wife, Leslie, his four daughters: Alison, Virginia, Chelsea and Rebecca, and their dog, Buddy. He is also survived by his siblings: Dolores, Galen, Maynard, Bill and Betty. Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home at 199 Woodford Street, Portland on Friday, December 28th from 11:30am-1:30pm. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm in the funeral home. Interment will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Portland. There will also be a reception and details to be provided at the Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to sign an online guestbook or share fond memories at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.
Services
- Visitation Friday, December 28, 2012
- Funeral Service Friday, December 28, 2012
REMEMBERING
Roy Lee Ouellette
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RECEIVE UPDATESJanuary 4, 2013
I have only known Leslie and her dear husband Roy for less than a year. My daughter learns piano with Leslie. I sat with Roy on several occasions in the comfort of their living room while Leslie and my daughter giggled while playing piano in the background. Roy would sit with me and share interesting story after story as if we had been family friends forever. He was a light that shone for me in the short time that I knew him. I will always remember his light when I hear a piano. I am sending peace and love to your family.
Crystal Rollins
Randy Visser
January 4, 2013
My sincere condolences to Roy's family. I had the pleasure of working with Roy in a variety of capacities during his time at WPXT. He was always generous and willing to help young people and students I worked with at SMCC. We shared our love for family and specifically raising daughters. What a sincere and strong spirit for life this man had. What a great example of the Maine character. I will always remember him and honor his life. Peace to you all.
Ed Williams
January 2, 2013
I had just re-made contact with Roy last summer after losing touch many years after we worked together at WPXT in the 80's. This is truly sad news. To me, my fondest memory of Roy will be him with his lovely family. He and Leslie have succeeded in leaving a most amazing legacy in Alison, Ginny, Chelsea and Becca - four amazing, fearless young women who have taken on a mantle of service to others, have crafted a true zeal for life and who would make any parents very, very proud. The world will miss Roy's terrific sense of humor, his patience and his love. His passing was far, far too early and I will remember my Friend Roy warmly and with love.
January 2, 2013
Leslie, Alison, Chelsea, Virginia & family,
We are very sad to hear of the passing of Roy. Roy & you were one of the first couples we met while playing volleyball at the Riverton school in the late 70's.
Our sincere condolences. Andy & Mary Ann Forgit
Dan Seaver
December 31, 2012
So sad to hear of Roy's passing - I was lucky to have worked with Roy for nearly 10 years at WPXT, and from my first day to his last at the station, he was always the kind, thoughtful, generous person so many people have described him as. He will be missed.
Virginia Bruna
December 30, 2012
Dear Aunt Leslie and family,
Each time we were with your family you made us feel welcome and special. We will always cherish those memories. I remember Uncle Roy as the "cool" uncle - I heard he even rode a Harley! Please know that even though we are so many miles apart, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love and hugs, Virginia (Ouellette)and Gib Bruna and family
gib.bruna@gmail.com
Jim Carter
December 30, 2012
Some of the best times of my life were at MPBN and it was Roy that made it such a pleasure. Never a dull moment. What a guy, he will be missed. Couldn't have a better man beside you on the tower.
Jay LaPrise
December 30, 2012
Like so many whom have posted their thoughts and feelings I was blessed to have met and to have worked with Roy. He was truly a gentlemen and true broadcast engineer. His smile and twinkle in his eye showed how much he enjoyed his work. He would often stop by my office early in the morning just to say hi and to thank me for something that really wasnt that big a deal,further evidence of the type of man that he was. I will truly miss him. My deepest condolences to his cherished loved ones.
Glenn & Lisa Ciganek
December 29, 2012
I only met Roy once - during Ginny's wedding weekend. We got to know each other quickly! He and my husband talked while I did the reception shopping - Roy was so easy to talk with. I remember how he just beamed all day at Ginny's wedding. I can hear his laugh. He was a very sincere man and someday we'll get to that lobster restaurant Roy invited us to in Maine. Ouellette family, our love and prayers are with you.
December 28, 2012
Alison and family:
Our deepest sympathies to you all upon hearing of Roy's death. Your family always appeared to be very close and I know he will be deeply missed. Our prayers are with and for all of you.
Steven and Wendy Scott
Lyn Ludington
December 28, 2012
Dear Leslie and girls,
Ralph and I were so sad to read of Roy's passing. We always loved seeing you at 1st E. Free and remember Roy's wonderful smile, especially when one of the girls was singing; his pride in the girls was so evident! We are praying that the Lord will comfort you in this very hard time and give you His peace as you go forward. Our love and prayers,
Ralph adn Lyn Ludington
Jeff MacKinnon
December 28, 2012
I can honestly say that Roy was one of the best bosses for whom I've ever worked. He was certainly the kindest and most generous. He was always supportive and forgiving to those who worked for him.
But more than that, he was also a good and true friend - one who will be missed sorely.
I will be honored to attend your final "signoff."
December 28, 2012
27 years ago, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime. I walked into a small independent television station in Portland, Maine (WPXT) as a college intern. As I entered my work area, the Engineering Dept., I was greeted with “hello young man.” From that day forward, Roy became my teacher, my mentor and my friend. He was one of the best bosses anyone could ever ask for. Roy was kind and most of all had more patience than one could imagine. (Even the day my power went out at home causing me to oversleep and he had to put the station on the air in his bathrobe, PJ's and slippers awaiting my tardy arrival.) As I entered the building, he greeted me in my panicked state with a smile and said “don't worry about it kid.” Our early morning talks, pizza parties at his house and his genuine concern for everyone he met will never be forgotten. I owe my television career to the man who gave me that first chance. Roy Ouellette. My deepest condolences to Leslie and his entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
David Burt
President
National Academy of Television
Arts & Scienes
Boston/New England Chapter
Rhonda Hallett Pope
December 28, 2012
Dear Leslie and Girls, I am so very sorry for your loss. I was glad to have met Roy once since we were both from Carinou. It's a small world sometimes. In the tough days ahead, know that you will be in the thoughts of so many.
Mike Leonard
December 27, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with Roy a couple of times over the years. He was so knowledgable about so many subjects. I am sorry that I had not stayed in touch more over the years. The broadcast industry has certainly been positively impacted by Roy - and I am sure it will feel a loss without him.
Ann Gagne
December 27, 2012
Roy was one of the good guys. There was no one else like him. His family was the world to him. Leslie would bring in jello cakes for his birthday and of course the pizza parties at your house with us crazy TV people. Anyone could count on Roy. And having an office next to him for numerous years - I knew how to spell his name OUE-LLE-TTE for all those people over the phone. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He is gone too soon.
December 27, 2012
Dear Leslie and girls,
So sorry to hear of Roy's passing. Please accept our deepst sympathy at this time for your loss.
Ernie and Ethel Carmolli
Diane Ouellette Van Hoecke
December 27, 2012
Aunt Leslie, Alison, Virginia, Chelsea and Rebecca - Uncle Roy had this remarkable way of making you feel so special and loved. He gave the best hugs too. I still remember his kind words of support while I was going to college. From his stories, you could tell he was so proud of all his "girls". Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much Love - Diane, Phil, Magnus and Samantha Ouellette Van Hoecke.
December 27, 2012
Roy, Leslie, and I went to college together at UMPI. Roy was an Engineer for us at WUPI-FM and worked at Mars Hill Mountain for MPBN. From there He transferred to Portland for WMEA (MPBN) and we were reunited. Roy was an usher at our Wedding. He will be missed. The heart broke when I heard the news.
Leslie and girls our thoughts and prayer are with you.
Dave Sharpe MPBN Bangor
Debbie Aylward
December 27, 2012
Dear Leslie, Allie, Ginny, Chelsea, and Becca;
I am so sorry to learn of Roy's/Dad's passing. I remember how much Roy loved his family and would prepare a delicious dinner every Sunday so when you would arrive home from Church, he would be waiting to serve you and have precious family time together. I was honored to share a dinner with you all. Leslie, I know we have both been so busy in our lives that we haven't seen each other since I had to resign from bell Choir, but I would like to come over and rekindle our friendship that was so close for many years. I love you all and send my thoughts and prayers as you move through this difficult time. God Bless you.
Love, Debbie Aylward
December 27, 2012
Dear Aunt Leslie,
My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Maybe someday we can catch up. You and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers.
Judy Ouellette Glidden
Doug Finck
December 27, 2012
Roy was one of the early members of the WPXT-TV team. For over 20 years he hired, trained, supervised, solved problems and contributed on a variety of levels. What impressed me the most was his willingness to jump in to any project and offer whatever assistance he could. He was always first to volunteer to help build a float for the Yarmouth Parade, or to set up a booth at the Deering Oaks Festival, or to unload a truck full of log paper. From moving furniture to climbing towers Roy set the bar for everyone else on the staff and was a daily reminder of what can be accomplished with a positive attitude. The only thing we never got him to do was wear a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle outfit! Roy always put others' needs ahead of his own and never complained about the hours or the workload. We were lucky to have found him and he was an integral part of the team that made the station so successful. I was lucky to have known him and worked with him for so many years.
Deepest sympathies to Leslie and the girls from everyone at WPXT-TV and WPME-TV.
Rebecca Walsh
December 27, 2012
Dear Leslie and girls,
Words can't express how sad we are to hear about Roy's passing. We wish you the strength to get through this time. He was a wonderful man who spoke often of his pride for his "girls." We will miss chatting with him during piano lessons, and we will walk Buddy anytime! Rebecca, Fallon, Patrick, and Bill Walsh
December 27, 2012
Dear Leslie and girls,
My heart goes out to you at this very difficult time and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Although the years have slipped by since we all shared our lives at Hall School, your family continues to be some of my warmest memories. God bless you and keep you in his grace. Carlene Iverson
December 27, 2012
Bones was my 2nd cousin, but more like a big brother to me...he taught me about family and friends by living life for everyone around him with respect and laughter being his most important ingredient. He will be sadly missed but a piece of him will always watch over each of us...Love goes out to you Leslie and the girls.
Kurt Derrah
Bert Brown
December 27, 2012
He always called me young man.. just seven months different in age, never could get him to just call me Bert. I had the pleasure of working with Roy these past dozen years at the Gray site, There aren't enough words to express my appreciation and to tell everyone what a pleasure of a man we've all lost.
My deepest thoughts go out to the family.
December 26, 2012
Leslie and girls...so so very sorry for the loss of Roy...will remember our visits together for always...especially the last one here in our back yard...my thoughts and prayers are with you now and forever...
Love, Jackie
Peter Tome
December 26, 2012
Roy gave me my start in TV 26 years ago...For which I will be forever grateful. He was an excellent teacher and showed a lot of patience. I remember he would have Pizza nights at his house, bring your own topping. He was fun to be around. My heart goes out to Leslie and the girls,such an awesome family.
Melissa Moreau
December 26, 2012
I first remember meeting your dad when Alison and I met at Hall school many many years ago.....so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with your family
Becky Sanders
December 26, 2012
My dear Ginny and family-
I am so saddened by the loss of this special man. I know how much he meant to you. Ginny, you were one of the few that could keep me together after I lost my mom. I wish so bad I could be there for you now. Know that I am praying for all of you and that you will find comfort and peace in Him.
Beth (Derrah) Cote
December 26, 2012
So very sorry Leslie and girls. I will always remember how Roy and my brother Kurt taught me how to waterski so many years ago. Thoughts and prayers on behalf of all of the Derrah family as you move through this difficult time. We remember with affection our kind and fun-loving cousin.
Nina Oatley Walsh
December 26, 2012
Dear Leslie, Becca, Chelsea, Alison and Virginia ......I'm so sorry about the loss of your husband and father. I didn't have much opportunity to know Roy well, other than an attendee at our concerts. My heart goes out to you as you go through this challenging time. I'm sure your presence with each other and all the family and friends you have will carry you through.
December 26, 2012
Dear Leslie and girls,
My heart goes out to all of you upon hearing of the death of Roy. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Valerie Jones
Kathye Martin
December 26, 2012
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wonderly Marshall
December 26, 2012
Roy, you will be missed by all. I wish we could have gotten to know each other better but I make a promise to you Ginny will be taken good care and will be loved by all of us for ever.. Remember ladies Eric and I are always just a phone call away and Leslie remember we gotta spoil our grand babies.. Love Wonderly
Richard Capozza
December 26, 2012
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Matt Ledin
December 26, 2012
Roy was my go-to guy whenever I needed help with technical issues when we working together at WPXT-TV. He was always a consummate professional during the five years I was there. From day one, he was kind, helpful and always willing to offer me assistance as well as his no nonsense advice. We went through a lot of big challenges together as the station grew and eventually moved to a new broadcast location. It was a great experience and I'm glad Roy was there to get all of us through the rough times. Roy's devotion to his family was unquestionable and I knew his wife and daughters meant the world to him. He will surely be missed Please accept my sincere condolences.
Sharon Ouellette Shields
December 26, 2012
One of my first memories of Uncle Roy was getting to ride in the rumble seat of his Volkswagen bug. From the size of the rumble seat you can tell it was a long time ago. Uncle Roy will always have a special place in my heart because he always reminded me of a younger version of my dad. I enjoyed all the times we had together although they were far and few between after we moved to Kansas, but we enjoyed every minute. Although we will not be there in person, please know that our prayers are with you and the girls. Please keep in touch. Sharon (Ouellette) Shields Family
shields206@embarqmail.com
Phil Laskowski
December 26, 2012
Leslie, Alison, Chelsea and Virginia. Although we have never met, I feel that I have known you all for years. Roy could not contain his love for you all. He had to share it with everyone. He looked forward every year to the vacation at the lake. All his girls would be there. I know that he was looking forward to this July also.
Due to the nature of the business we work in, I will not be able to attend the celebration of his life. There are many whose lives have been enriched by knowing him, and I was one of them.
"Good night kid."
"Good night Roy. Have a good weekend and a safe trip home."
FROM THE FAMILY
IN THE CARE OF