LIVERMORE FALLS — Donald V. Mercier, 65, passed away Saturday, Jan. 27, at his home surrounded by loving family after a lengthy battle with alcoholism.

He was born March 25, 1952, in Lewiston, the son of Lorraine and Victor Mercier. He was a 1970 graduate of Livermore Falls High School. He reunited with his high school sweetheart, Ilse Chase, and they married on June 14, 2003. His work experience included D.L. Punch, Jr. General Contractor, grain delivery for Simpson’s, long-distance trucking for R.C. Moore and 20 years with C.H. Stevenson of Wayne. From there he ventured into the world of self-employment as owner/operator of Donald V. Mercier Excavation.

Donald was known for his expertise in the excavating business and the ability to accurately level a work site without the use of a laser. Leading into retirement, his ability to “sniff out” gravel, even when it appeared there was none, led to ownership of his pit on the Chesterville Ridge Road in Fayette. Fulfilling this dream of retirement backfired a bit as he found he worked harder over the past two years than previous ones with the steady flow of local towns buying product.

Special memories over the years would include time spent at the go-cart tracks cheering on the Nichols Racing Team that he sponsored, sponsoring the AYS Softball team, and being an active member in the late ‘90s with volunteering time and equipment for the Jug Hill Snowmobile Club. At Langtown was “camp,” where he enjoyed watching the deer and as they returned year after year recognizing the characteristics and personalities that allowed him to realize “it wasn’t their first rodeo” at his grain pile. Camp provided a time for get-togethers with neighbors and enjoying the community meals. His fish chowder during hunting season was always a hit. He enjoyed the many hours of snowmobiling the trails in and around the Carrabassett Valley and Kennebago area. Closer to home, in the spring, were the hours spent with the Jackman and Pratt crew in a sugar shack. His most memorable traveling was a 2009 Alaskan land/sea tour adventuring into Denali for close-ups of grizzlies, wolves and mountain goats. A cruise down the coast of Alaska gave him the opportunity to see a glacier calving while being accompanied by Ilse, Sandra and Glen Drake.

Survivors include his wife Ilse; son Robert Mercier and his wife, Cindy, of Dedham; stepdaughter Jennifer Shorette and her husband, Andrew, of Bristol, Conn.; stepson Russell Scheller and his wife, Sierra, of Cholchester, Vt.; six grandchildren, Brody and Chance Mercier, Alexandra and Austin Shorette, and Taven and Della Scheller; three sisters, Cathy Johnson and her husband, Jeffery, of Wisconsin, Nancy Chicoine and her husband, “Chickie,” of Livermore and Lori Bryant and her husband, Jeffrey, of Livermore Falls; numerous nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Elaine Chase, formerly of Fayette; and his golden retriever companions Bud and Jax.

Don had a tough exterior but a big heart inside for all who needed him. The family saw evidence of this over the past weeks as many who visited proclaimed “that man has helped me so much, I’d do anything for him.” The family would like to extend a special thank-you to those visiting and reminiscing with him over the past few weeks. Also, thanks to those who have given support to Ilse, Cathy and Nancy on the everyday needs of caretaking for Donald. We also would like to thank the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice organization and providers.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.

Donald V. Mercier

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