Alumni Affairs

Chad Parker

Shawn McPherson — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 23:09:54 +0000

91��ɫ Class of 2011 Bachelor’s in Athletic Training

Update by Chad Parker, alumnus

Chad Parker’s Wing Story

“My wings have taken me to Florida to work as a collegiate athletic trainer. After 91��ɫ I worked at Bridgton Academy in southern Maine for a year, went to grad school in Pennsylvania, then worked in Virginia at a small division 3 school, which reminded me a lot of my days at 91��ɫ. I have to thank Barb Blackstone for where I am today. She saw something in this older, Canadian kid that had no true path, and pointed me in the right direction. Aaron Tomlinson and Josh Holman also helped mold the athletic trainer that I am, and I get to take their knowledge and impart it on my own athletic training students. My wings have essentially taken me full circle, and 91��ɫ was just the beginning.”

Greg Tardie

Shawn McPherson — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 18:49:55 +0000

91��ɫ Class of 1988 Bachelor’s in Health, PE, &Recreation

Update by Greg Tardie, alumnus

Greg Tardie’s Wing Story

“My wings have taken me on some unexpected flights. But I have to thank Caroline Gentile, Roger Richards, and especially Sue Beaudet and Royal Goheen for their guidance of a student who had not yet shown any evidence of wings. After graduation from 91��ɫ, I taught physical education for three years and earned my MS. During my doctoral program at Florida State University I spent a month at the Texas Flower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary in a joint project with Mobil Oil and NOAA. It almost led me to change programs and pursue an entirely new flight path.

I met my wife about the time I completed my doctoral requirements- it’s now been 20 years. A few months after our wedding I was hired as an Assistant Professor in South Carolina, where I also worked as a part-time clinical study coordinator (on what is now Crestor®). So that was the real turning point for my career. Then a new opportunity came our way in the Department of Clinical Investigations at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, TX. Since moving back to the east coast a number of years ago – I’ve worked in the pharmaceutical industry across a wide variety of therapeutic areas (currently rare diseases).

There’s a lot of gratitude for having grown up in Caribou Maine, for those who influenced these flights and for the opportunities that have come my way.

At the end of the day – a blue-collar heart beats in this white-collar boy.”

Raymond Trombley

Shawn McPherson — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 19:06:06 +0000

91��ɫ Class of 1977 Bachelors in Psychology – Behavioral Science

Update by Raymond Trombley, alumnus

“After graduation in December 1977, I was commissioned in the US Air Force serving an additional 18 yrs for a total of 25. During my career, I worked in law enforcement, force protection, inspector general and international geo-political affairs. I also earned a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in public administration, graduated from the FBI National Academy, and was certified through the Hawaii Pacific University in total quality management.

Post Air Force, I worked as the director of safety and security for a large hospital network in Honolulu, then moved to a major financial institution with operations throughout Hawaii, the southwestern US, the South Pacific and East Asia as the senior vice president of business continuity. During my tenure at the bank, I managed a team that help prepare the bank for Y2K, and was at the cusp of the mushrooming industry after 9.11. Working closely with the state department of health I developed plans for continuing business operations during a pandemic, cyber attacks, natural and man-made disasters. I am certified as a master business continuity professional. I also founded the Contingency Planners of the Pacific, a non-profit professional association of contingency planners, and a second non-profit – HawaiiFIRST (financial industry resilience, security and teamwork), a coalition of financial institutions for the purpose of addressing homeland security issues which impact the financial industry in the state of Hawaii. I retired from the bank in the summer of 2019 at the age of 67.

My first novel (Srivijaya) is available on Amazon and a copy is in the alumni collection at the 91��ɫ Library.”

Josephine “Jody” Elizabeth Horton Class of 1994

Shawn McPherson — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 20:34:10 +0000

July 30, 1972 – January 15, 2020

Jody Elizabeth Horton, 47, died January 15, 2020 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

She was born July 30, 1972 to Marlin Richard and Corinne Mary (Gribbin) Cameron in Augusta, Maine.

Jody was a 1990 graduate from Gray New Gloucester High School in Gray, Maine, and graduated from the University of Maine at Presque Isle and was three courses away from obtaining her master’s degree. She was an elementary school teacher for twenty-three years, eventually teaching all grades at locations around the world in support of her husband, Lt Col Heath Horton, United States Air Force.

Jody cherished her family and she was a dedicated mother and wife first and foremost. She treasured her son and husband and embraced every moment with them.

Jody made friends everywhere she went as she was very dynamic; she never met someone she didn’t like and never had a bad word towards anyone.

She is preceded in death by her father, Marlin Richard Cameron, and Jody was the apple of her father’s eye.

Jody is survived by her loving husband, Heath Erik Horton; son, Hunter M. Horton (Emily Price); mother, Corinne Mary Cameron; brother, Thomas Richard Cameron; sister-in-law, Jamie Cameron; and niece, Reese M. Cameron.

In lieu of flowers, as Jody despised funeral flowers, memorial contributions in her memory may be made to a Childhood Hunger charity of the givers’ choice. Caring for her students is important to Jody, she always tried to make sure all her students had food.

Services Pending.

Amanda B. Pelletier Class of 2009

Shawn McPherson — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 19:58:25 +0000

September 12, 1984 – January 12, 2020

Connor – Amanda B. Pelletier 35, died unexpectedly January 12, 2020 at her Chapman residence. She was born in Caribou September 12, 1984 the daughter of Harry and Shirley (Collin) Pelletier. Amanda was a 2003 graduate of Caribou High School and in 2008 graduated with her Bachelors in Education at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Following graduation, Amanda went on to become a teacher in Kuwait for a number of years before returning to the United States where she taught at ACAP and more recently Limestone Community School. Amanda was passionate about teaching, reading, traveling, video chatting with her nieces and nephews in Kuwait and spending time with her loved ones.

Amanda truly was loved by everyone who knew her. She had a way about her that calmed you just by being in her presence. Amanda was a beautiful soul and had the kindest heart and warmest smile. She did not judge others and was always there with an empathetic ear. Her personality sparkled just like her accessories and according to Amanda “you can never have too much glitter”. One of her favorite sayings was a Dr. Seuss quote “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”. Surviving in addition to her father of Connor are her brother Joseph Pelletier and wife Sarah of Rumathiya, Kuwait, two nieces, two nephews, many aunts, uncles, cousins, godchildren and many close friends. Amanda was predeceased by her mother Shirley, her grandparents and her uncle Tom. Friends may visit the family at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou, Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 10 am until the time of services which will be held at 12 Noon from the Parish of the Precious Blood Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Jeremy Williams

Shawn McPherson — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 23:01:43 +0000

91��ɫ Class of 2004 Bachelors in Business Administration

Update by Jeremy Williams, alumnus

“Since graduating from 91��ɫ in 2004, I’ve been blessed to have many different experiences that have challenged me in my professional career and personal endeavors.
I’ve worked within the Financial Services Industry since 2005, beginning with CitiBank within Portfolio Accounting Implementations and now with JPMorgan Chase, implementing Robotics Process Automation across our Consumer and Business Banking operations. Within the Robotics space, we’ve automated just over 1MM hours worth of work with ~950 virtual workers.

In 2005 I married fellow 91��ɫ Alum Andrea Lunn and in 2013 had a daughter, Stevi Mae.

Two of my biggest accomplishments since graduation are completing my MBA in 2015 from Ashland University, and partnering with Children’s Hopechest in 2017.

Since 2012, I’ve traveled every year (With the exception of one) to Uganda, East Africa where I’ve worked in Kakira sub-county. Here is where I found my heart to be. Becoming friends with a local pastor, it was quickly determined that there was a need for sustainable poverty alleviation for Kakira’s most vulnerable and orphaned children. This is where I began my partnership with Children’s Hopechest (hopechest.org) – with this partnership we have a community here in Ohio that is sponsoring 210 children, we have purchased land, created infrastructure that provides training, clean water, food, basic medical care, and covers school tuition for the children. In 2020, we will start 2 community projects where guardians/parents and project children will being learning skills that will provide them with a self-sustainable income. The ultimate goal of the CarePoint is all western monies will go away by 2027 and the community will be completely self-sustaining.”

Susan M. (Peterson) Cooper Class of 2000

Shawn McPherson — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 00:55:56 +0000

August 3, 1977 – November19, 2000

CARIBOU – Susan M. (Peterson) Cooper, 42, wife of Andrew D. Cooper, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at a Caribou healthcare facility following a brief illness. She was born August 3, 1977 in Presque Isle, the daughter of Robert L. and Joyce (Thibodeau) Peterson. She was a graduate of Caribou High School class of 1995, and earned a bachelors of science degree with a minor in chemistry from the University of Maine at Presque Isle in 2000. While at 91��ɫ she was the goalie on the women’s soccer team. Susan worked as an environmental chemist for the Mic Mac tribe for a period of time and most recently had been employed as a bartender at the Presque Isle Elks Lodge. She was an accomplished musician, playing both the clarinet and the saxophone, having played in the Caribou High School jazz band and the 91��ɫ Community Band. Susan greatly enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping, fishing and hiking. She will be remembered as a wonderful daughter, sister, wife and mother. She was predeceased by her twin sister, Sally, in 1977. Susan is survived by her husband, Andrew, and their son Alexander Dylan Cooper, both of Caribou, her parents Robert and Joyce Peterson, of Woodland, two brothers and sisters-in-law, Timothy and Cheryl Peterson of Turner, Thomas and Jennifer Peterson of Holliston, MA, and three nephews. Friends may call Sunday, November 24, 2019 from 6 to 8pm at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou. The funeral services will be held Monday, November 25, 2019 at 11am from the chapel of the funeral home. Following the service all are invited at 1 pm to a time of continued fellowship at the Elks Lodge in Presque Isle where pot luck will be served. Interment will take place in the spring.

Marlene T. Thibodeau Class of 1981

Shawn McPherson — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 23:05:37 +0000

October 1, 1957 – October 27, 2019

FAYETTE – Marlene T. Thibodeau, 62, of Lovejoy Shores, died unexpectedly on Sunday October 27, 2019 at her home.

She was born in Van Buren on October 1, 1957 the daughter of Fernand and Edwina (LaFrancois) Thibodeau.

Marlene graduated from Van Buren High School in 1976 and later from the University of Maine at Presque Isle with degrees in Criminal Justice and Political Science. She had worked for Mountain Valley Job Training in Lewiston and later for The University of Maine, Augusta before taking time off to raise a family. She returned to work for James “Jim” Longley Jr. and then as staff for Senator Susan Collins for over 24 years, retiring in 2017. She worked part time for her husband as an administrative assistant, and served as an administrator for the Maine Aggregates Association.

She was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, traveling and motorcycle riding. She was very devoted to her family and always had a special place for her friends at Pepper’s. Marlene was proud of her Acadian Heritage. She was a 15th generation Thibodeau, dating back to 1651. She also had a love of animals, especially her cat Nico, and her two dogs Ziggy Stardust and Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.

She was predeceased by her daughter Marlee Johnston in 2005; and her father Fernand Thibodeau.

She is survived by her husband Ted Johnston of Fayette; her son Alec Johnston of West Gardiner; her mother Edwina Thibodeau of Van Buren; her siblings Bobbi Morrow and her husband David of Presque Isle; Claudette Cyr and her husband Gil of Auburn; Linda Chalou of Presque Isle; Michael Thibodeau of Freeport and Nola LaPlante of Hamlin; her nieces and nephews including Evan, Rudy, Renee, Aron, Marcel, Macie, Luke and Landon; as well as many great nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be no visiting hours. A celebration of Marlene’s life will be held at 11:00am on Monday, November 4 at the Alfond Arena, Rt 17, Kents Hill.

Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Marlee Fund, P.O. Box 17, Kents Hill 04349.

Alice Survant Class of 1941

Shawn McPherson — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 23:02:32 +0000

November 2, 2019 (obit date)

AUGUSTA – Alice Survant, age 99 and former resident of Presque Isle for 91 years, passed away on November 2nd in Augusta after a lengthy battle with old age. For the past seven years she had been a resident at Maine General’s Gray Birch Nursing Home in Augusta, where, in addition to staff, she was lovingly cared for by her daughters Connie McDonald of Manchester and Jane Bonville of Cumberland and North Port, FL.

Alice was the youngest child of the late J. Frank and Eva (Macey) Hayes and proud of her English/Irish/ New Brunswick heritage. Having been raised and educated blocks from her home, she graduated from PIHS in 1938. She earned a teaching degree from Aroostook State Teachers College (now 91��ɫ) in Presque Isle and taught elementary grades before joining the war effort to work at the Army Air Corp base in PI. There she met a young captain from Kentucky, Ellis ‘Bud’ Survant, with whom she would marry and raise their family in her home town. While proud of his blue grass roots, and his alma mater the UK Wildcats, Bud embraced his new home town and crafted a successful career in the insurance/employee benefits field, allowing him to introduce Alice to many sections of the country as the result of his qualifying for national sales conventions.

Alice was a very good athlete, having played basketball in her school days and golf for many years at PICC, where she won a number of accolades for her play in women’s leagues and tournaments. She also was an avid Red Sox fan through most of her later years and often agonized over their wins and woes with her son-in-law, Steve Bonville, who suffered and soared with her in this cause from year to year.

Alice also was an accomplished bridge player, and a great cook. She was active in several civic and charitable organizations throughout her life. But most importantly, she was a devoted to her family and friends.

Alice was an active communicant at St John’s Episcopal Church, where she was baptized, confirmed, married, sang in the choir, and will be buried from, for over 90 years.

In addition to her daughters, Alice is survived by and was a loving “Nana” to four grandchildren: Alison (Manchester) and Bill (Veazie) McDonald; and Erin Elizabeth (South Portland) and Michael Bonville (Bozeman, MT); “Gigi” to seven great grandchildren; and niece and nephew Sherry Armistead (Grafton, MA) and Bill Bryant (Los Altos Hills, CA).

She was predeceased by her beloved Bud (Lt Col USAF) in 2004; her sister Helen Bryant; brother Frank Hayes; and nephew Jim Hayes all of Presque Isle.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, November 8, 2019, 11AM, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 52 Second Street in Presque Isle. Interment will follow services at Fairmount Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to St. John’s Episcopal Church. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at duncan-graves.com

Rebecca Louise (Bird) Boucher Class of 1987

Shawn McPherson — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 20:41:44 +0000

April 19, 1966 – November 10, 2019

PRESQUE ISLE AND FORT FAIRFIELD – Becky L. Boucher (Bird), 53 years of age, passed on to her heavenly home on Sunday, November 10, 2019.
Becky was born on April 19, 1966, in Presque Isle, Maine to Barbara and Bernard Bird. She was the youngest of four daughters.
Becky was predeceased by her Mom, Barbara Bird and her sister, Robin.

Surviving is Becky’s Dad, Bernard Bird, known as ‘Daddy Rabbit’; her sisters, Jane and her husband William Baird of Columbus, GA and Cindy and her husband Paul Philbrick of Hampden, ME.

Becky left behind two sons, Daniel Boucher of Presque Isle and Brycen Brown and his partner, Haley Smith of Corinth. There has never been, nor will there ever be, anything quite so special as the love that Becky had for her sons, Daniel and Brycen.
Becky and Dan were married for over 25 blissful years. Becky and Dan were soul mates right from the start. They entertained each other by dancing in their kitchen and finding humor in their everyday life.

Becky’s nieces and nephews are saddened by the loss of their aunt. They had many happy and fun filled years with Becky. Becky’s laughter could be heard from miles around and became her endearing charm.

From the time that Becky was the Little Miss Potato Blossom Queen and a Fort Fairfield Tiger Cheerleader, she touched the multitudes with her kindness and compassion for everyone she met. Becky was accomplished at the piano and made her own music in her home throughout her life. Becky was happiest when her home was full of friends, family and her neighbors. Once Becky met someone they became an instant friend.

Becky was a perfect daughter that took care of her parents for many years with that sweet smile, that comforting hug and her gentle touch. Becky’s wit and charm will be missed by all. And oh, that laughter – Can you hear it now?

Years of memories will be etched in our hearts forever, of our angel who has a new mission in heaven, watching over all of us. We will hold dear the memories of her life, her laughter and her LOVE!
Becky brought us joy, made us laugh and showed us love. She gave us the lasting gifts of her beautiful life and soul and we will be blessed by the memories we have of her forever.
Our message to Becky – “Missing you, BIG! Loving you ALWAYS! And Blessed beyond measure to have known your Soul!”

As we look up to Heaven, beyond those big poofy clouds we bid you a final Good Bye, here on earth. Until we meet again, “Fare Thee Well our precious child, Fare Thee Well”.

There will be a Celebration of Becky’s Life on July 18, 2020 at Becky and Dan’s home at 37 Washburn Road Presque Isle at 1PM.