1926 – 2013

RUMFORD — Roland Joseph Cote, 87, of 11 Worthley Ave., Mexico, died peacefully at Rumford Community Hospital on Monday, Sept. 23. His family spent his last few days there with him, caring for him, reminiscing, storytelling and laughing.

Roland was born in Van Buren on July 22, 1926, to Eugene and Alphonsine Cote. He was one of 10 children; only five survived through early childhood. He was raised and went to school in Van Buren, graduating from Van Buren High School.

Roland was inducted into the U.S. Army on Sept. 19, 1950, and served at Fort Dix, N.J., during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on July 12, 1956. He was then employed by Oxford Paper Co., until he retired.

He married Dorothy Storer of Mexico on Sept. 1, 1951. They had three children: Linda, Debbie and Rodney. Dorothy passed away in December 2004, after a long illness and Roland continued to live alone with his cat, Miss Kitty.

He will be sadly missed by daughter, Linda Blackman and husband, Dick, of Waldoboro; daughter, Debbie Lamkin and husband, Dow, of Gray; son, Rodney Cote and wife, Regina, of Jay; five grandchildren, Ian Theriault and Clifford Blackman of Lewiston, Corrie Lamkin of Gray, Christopher Cote of Jay and Ryan Cote of Rumford; and two great-grandchildren, Adrian Lamkin of Gray and Chanse Whyte of Byron. He had many Cote and Bourgoin nieces and nephews who valued him as an uncle. His many friends and neighbors of the Rumford area will also miss him.

Roland was predeceased by his brothers, Felix and Emile Cote; his sister, Jeanne Bourgoin; and most recently by his favorite brother, John.

Roland touched many lives with his generous spirit, good humor and love of family. He loved to compete and loved to win, as many who played pool or cards with him know. He lived a very simple life, but left his mark on many hearts with his living example of strength of will, independence and appreciation for the little things.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Cote family by visiting their guest book at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.