Roland Joseph Cote

Roland Joseph Cote, 87, of 11 Worthley Avenue, Mexico, Maine, died peacefully at the Rumford Community Hospital on Monday, Sept. 23rd. His family spent his last few days there with him, caring for him, reminiscing, storytelling and laughing.

Roland was born in Van Buren, Maine on July 22, 1926 to Eugene and Alphonsine Cote. He was one of 10 children; only 5 survived through early childhood.

He was raised and went to school in Van Buren, Maine and graduated from Van Buren High School.

Roland was inducted into the Army on September 19, 1950 and served at Fort Dix, New Jersey during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on July 12, 1956. He then was employed by Oxford Paper Company and worked there until he retired.

He married Dorothy Storer of Mexico, Maine on September 1 of 1951. They had three children; Linda, Debbie, and Rodney. Dorothy passed away in December of 2004 after a long illness, and Roland continued to live alone with his cat Miss Kitty.

Roland was pre-deceased by his brothers, Felix and Emile Cote, his sister, Jeanne Bourgoin and most recently, by his favorite brother John.

He will be sadly missed by daughter Linda Blackman and husband Dick, of Waldoboro, ME; daughter Debbie Lamkin and husband, Dow of Gray, ME and son Rodney Cote and wife, Regina of Jay, ME. He had 5 grandchildren; Ian Theriault and Clifford Blackman of Lewiston, Corrie Lamkin of Gray, Christopher Cote of Jay and Ryan Cote of Rumford. He also had 2 great-grandchildren; Adrian Lamkin of Gray and Chanse Whyte of Byron. He had many Cote and Bourgoin nieces and nephews who valued him as an uncle. His many friends and neighbors of the Rumford area will miss him also.

Roland touched many lives with his generous spirit, good humor, and love of family. He loved to compete and loved to win, as many who played pool or cards with him know. He lived a very simple life, but left his mark on many hearts with his living example of strength of will, independence and appreciation for the little things.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Roland’s name to the American Legion Post #24 where Roland was a long-time member. The donations will be used for charitable purposes related to the military. Send to 184 Congress St., Rumford, Maine 04276, Attention: Commander.