Bernard Anthony Doucette
1911 — 2009

LEWISTON — Bernard Doucette, 97, of Lewiston, passed away on Aug. 3.

Born in Boston, on Dec. 24, 1911, Bernard Anthony Doucette, who preferred to be called “Bud,” was a Christmas present to all who were fortunate enough to know him throughout his long life. Despite stark realities which resulted in him residing for several of his early years at the Catholic Home for Destitute Children, Bud was never bitter, but rather grateful to the priests and parish families who reached out to him during that difficult period. His oft-shared stories of his youthful adventures reflected the optimism and humor with which he embraced life.

As a young man, Bud was eager to work and performed a variety of jobs, from delivering telegrams to burlesque dancers to delivering milk from a horse-drawn buggy. Eventually he made his way to Maine, where he fell in love and married Dorothy Briggs; together they had four sons: Robert, Richard, Donald, and Ronald. Meanwhile, he learned the art of hand-sewing and proudly made fine shoes for the E. E. Taylor Company. As his sons grew up and the shoe companies closed down, he went to work for the Maine Turnpike Authority; Bud enjoyed greeting people as they passed through his toll booth and recently said his only regret was having retired so “early,” at age 89.

He was blessed with robust health, perpetually-youthful good looks and a zest for life. He enjoyed antique shops, collecting jewelry and traveling. He particularly loved “the big, blue sky” of California, and visited often, celebrating life with his great-grandchildren. Bud treasured his friends at home as well. Of special significance in his life were the late Josephine Ray; Esther Adams; his late sister, Ruby Bowles; his nephews, Norman and Bobby Bowles; his nieces, Marsha Rutledge and June Celebi; and his great-niece, Tina Bowles.

Bud will be remembered for his quiet strength, grace in adversity and the joy he brought to those who knew and loved him. He and his smile will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his son, Richard Doucette of Hainesville, Fla.; daughter-in-law, Patricia Doucette of San Diego, Calif.; grandchildren, Bob Doucette of San Diego, Calif., Tim Monteil-Doucette of Highland, Calif., and Leah Doucette Daniel, of Los Angeles; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Aaron and Noah Daniel, Whitney and Adam Doucette, and Marshall and Emily Monteil-Doucette.