Philippe “Philip” M. Simard

1929 – 2010

MINOT — Philippe Marcel Simard, 81, of Minot passed away Thursday, April 1, at home in the loving arms of his children and hospice nurse Betty, after succumbing to cancer.

He was born on Jan. 11, 1929, in Lewiston, to Joseph and Philomene (Letourneau) Simard and was educated in Lewiston schools. He served his country in the Korean War and was a longtime member of American Legion Post No. 150.

Phil married Barbara Spencer on Aug. 7, 1951, and they were together 47 years until her death, also due to cancer, in 1999. He later found happiness with Geraldine Barnard, introducing her to the joys of fishing.

He was a shy, simple man and a wonderful father who loved the outdoors, fishing and camping, music, dogs and babies and made beautiful things from wood. He played the guitar, harmonica and spoons simultaneously and will be remembered for his quiet, mischievous nature, appropriately dying on April Fool’s Day.

Phil worked for Cote & Son Construction most of his adult life before forming his own company, Philip Simard Construction, and with Barbara, Honey-Do Farm and Greenhouse in Minot.

He is survived by his beloved companion, Geraldine Barnard; his three children and spouses, Diane (Neal) McKenney, Susan (Bruce) Estabrook, Marcel (Deborah) Simard; seven grandchildren, Ryan (Erika) and Megan Mc Kenney, Sarah (Nery) and Philip (Caryl) Estabrook, Emily (Ken) Cochrane, and Michelle and Andrew Simard; and three great-grandsons who brought a sparkle to his eyes even on the darkest days, Zander, Maddox and Bryce. He also leaves a brother, Robert, of Togus and a sister, Jeannine Pucheu, of Gulfport, Miss.

Besides his wife Barbara, he was predeceased by his parents; an infant son, Joseph; and his sister, Helene.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Androscoggin Home Care and hospice nurses Betty and Sheryl.