1923 – 2015

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

He was born 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 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 and 11 paper machines at the Otis Mill and retired as boss machine tender on No. 1 and 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 No. 3335 in Jay and the George Bunten Post No. 10 American Legion in Livermore Falls and was recently commander. Bert had also been a 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 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, relishing each moment of life.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, and he 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 and 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 and Taylor Simoneau, Tanner Simoneau and Tristan Simoneau, all of Oregon. He also leaves behind thirteen 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.