Bertrand Donald Simoneau (1923-2015)

LEWISTON – Bertrand “Bert” Donald Simoneau, 92, died on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, on his 92nd birthday at Montello Manor with his loving wife by his side.

He was born on Jan. 24, 1923 in Jay, to Donat and Lea (Therrien) Simoneau and resided in Livermore Falls his entire life. Bert left high school, as many did during that era, to go to work in the shipyard; at age 17 he was old enough to join the military reserves and at 18 was on the USS Piedmont. He served in the U.S. Navy for three and half years on the USS Piedmont in the South Pacific, during World War II and he was one of the first Americans ashore in Tokyo following the surrender of the Japanese in 1945. Bert received his diploma from Livermore Falls High School.

On Nov. 18, 1946 at St. Rose of Lima in Jay; he married Doris Jacqueline Ouellette, daughter of Alfred Ouellette and Annie Rose (Castonguay) Ouellette. He was employed by International Paper Company for 40 years and was boss machine tender on No. 9 & 11 paper machines at the Otis Mill and retired as boss machine tender on No. 1 & 2 paper machines at the Androscoggin Mill in 1984.

He was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church and a member of the Pope Pius XII Knights of Columbus. He was a life member of both, the Frank L. Mitchell, VFW Post 3335 in Jay and the George Bunten Post 10, American Legion in Livermore Falls; and was recently commander. Bert had also been a former member of the Blue Falcons Drum and Bugle Corp of the American Legion.

He was an accomplished wood worker and in his retirement he made fine wooden items sold under the name Maple Tree that were popular products at craft fairs across the state. He was a member of the Central Maine Crafters Guild and the Southern Maine Crafters Guild. Bert served as president of the Central Maine Crafters Guild for several years.

He and Doris enjoyed traveling on bus tours across the country. In spite of many complicated medical issues he remained active all his life and was a frequent patron at the local restaurants where he was widely known for his friendly smile and happy laughs. He was always happiest when he was in the company of family and friends, telling stories and laughing, and relishing each moment of life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother, and will be greatly missed by all.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 68 years, Doris Simoneau of Lewiston; sons: Michael Simoneau and his partner Ginny Paulson of Livermore, Patrick and his wife Barbara of North Carolina, Donald Simoneau and his wife Roberta of Fayette, Daniel and his wife Kelly of Oregon; grandchildren: Michelle Callen and her husband Chad of Nevada, Sean Simoneau and his wife Chem of Nevada, John Simoneau and his wife Kim of Durham, Tim Simoneau of New Hampshire, David Simoneau and his wife Pam of New Hampshire, Christina Wachtmeister and her husband Erik of Virginia, Mathew Simoneau and his wife Melissa of Rockland, Ann Messer and her husband Eric of Massachusetts, Taylor Simoneau, Tanner Simoneau and Tristan Simoneau all of Oregon. He also leaves behind 13 beautiful great grandchildren, his brother; Paul Simoneau and his wife Jeannine of Livermore Falls, his sisters; Marlene Boivin of Jay; and Rainette Richards and her husband Robert of Livermore, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his mother and father, Donat and Lea Simoneau, brothers Raymond, Gerard and Larry Simoneau, and sisters, Blanche Rogers and Pauline Brougham. Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.

Note change of dates: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m., on Friday, Jan. 30 at St. Rose of Lima Church, 1 Church Street, Jay, Maine. Visitation 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at Finley Funeral Home, 15 Church Street, Livermore Falls, Maine. Military organizations will meet at 6:30 p.m. Interment with full military honors will be held in the spring at Holy Cross Cemetery, 445 Park Street, Livermore Falls, Maine. In lieu of flowers, if desired contributions may be made to: Tri-Town Ministerial Association Food Cupboard, PO Box 314, Livermore Falls, Maine 04254.