Charles Patrick

Charles Patrick, 86, passed away Saturday, March 31, 2012, at home. He was born in Fairfield Center on September 25, 1925.

Charles was predeceased by his parents George and Celina (Breau) Patrick, brothers Lionel Patrick, Ernest Patrick, Noel Patrie, Allard Patrie and sisters Louise Bisson and Gertrude Quirion.

Charles is survived by his wife, Theresa (Poirier) Patrick, of Waterville; brothers Arthur Patrick and wife Connie; George Patrick Jr. and wife Joyce; sisters Yvette Smith, Amelia Thompson and Pauline Bujnis; son Allan Patrick and wife Sooky Witchwoot; three daughters Susan Bouthot and husband Arthur, Lynn Burke and Donna Wescott and husband Kyle; grandchildren Robert Bouthot, Jasmine Bouthot, Jamie Craig, Angela (Rodrigues) Boyd, Manuel Rodrigues III, Casey Wescott and Melissa Wescott; and six great-grandchildren.

"Charlie" was a WWII veteran, serving from December 10, 1943 to June 13, 1945. After infantry training, he arrived in England on July 16, 1944 and landed in France 15 days after D-Day. He was wounded on August 18, 1944 and made a prisoner of war. After three weeks, the camp was liberated and he made his way back to the American side. After returning to duty, he was captured a second time during the Belgian Battle of the Bulge. After six months, he was liberated by the Russian army. He held a Purple Heart medal and an ETO ribbon with four bronze battle stars.

After the war, he returned home, met his wife-to-be Theresa and settled in Waterville. His devotion to family was evidenced by the annual treks that he and Theresa made to visit family in Florida, Texas and Arizona. These drives continued well into his seventies.

He had many jobs, but the one he enjoyed the most was as a courier for Puralator Corp. This job allowed him to fulfill his enjoyment of driving. Even after retiring he continued to be a spare driver for Kaman Bearing in Oakland. Driving was an activity he continued up to the end.

Charlie was a member of the Knights of Columbus (Fourth Degree Knight), the Elks, Veterans of Foreign War, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.

He was a long suffering supporter of the Boston sports teams, particularly, the Red Sox and the Bruins. In recent years he enjoyed the dinners at the Elks hall and Sunday morning breakfasts with family and friends.He will be missed dearly.

There will be a memorial Mass at Notre Dame Catholic Church at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 4.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation to the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Togus. These compassionate caregivers provided decades of care to Charlie, and were particularly patient and understanding in the last few years.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie's name may be made to the Alfond Cancer Center or The Disabled American Veterans.