Gary L. Chretien

FARMINGTON – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gary L. Chretien of Farmington, a beloved father, grandfather, educator, and friend, who left us on Oct. 22, 2024, at the age of 81. He was born in Livermore Falls to Thomas and Irene (McNamara) Chretien on 23 April 1943. He graduated from Farmington High School where he played football. Gary would jog home to Farmington Falls after practice. In high school, Gary met the love of his life Betty (Davis) to whom he was married for 64 years. He fought a long battle against Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (MD) a rare and crippling form of MD that destroys muscles. His wife Betty fought the battle with him for over 25 years.

Gary graduated from University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) with his teaching degree in elementary and secondary education. He went on to get a double masters from UMF in English and minority studies. He furthered his education with a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Rhode Island. He spent the majority of his career with School Administrative District (SAD) nine teaching at Wilton Academy, Mt. Blue High School, and Cape Cod High School in New Sharon. He also taught for a brief time in Cornville, Bryant Pond, and Telstar High School in Bethel. He was a member of the Maine Education Association and the National Education Association, keeping up with the many changes in education over the last 50-plus years.

He enjoyed teaching and never stopped learning. One of his favorite jobs with SAD 9 was as the Mt. Blue High School librarian where he could share his love of books and reading with all the students and other employees. A lifelong scholar, Gary dedicated his life to nurturing a love of learning in others. As an educator, he inspired countless students with his enthusiasm and knowledge, igniting their imaginations and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. His love for reading fueled his curiosity, allowing him to share fascinating stories and insights with those around him.

An avid runner from his youth, Gary is remembered at the high school as running after school daily. Many a student would think to go out and “smoke the old man” only to end up out of breath with “the old man” walking them back to the high school. He ran in a number of marathons and half-marathons competing against his last best time. In his 40s and 50s he could outrun all his children, who were wise enough to know it.

Gary embraced the outdoors, finding joy in the beauty of nature. His childlike imagination created endless adventures for his children and grandchildren, who cherished the time spent with him—exploring, playing, and learning. One of Betty’s enduring memories is traversing a ledge across a cliff face with three children under seven with Gary (Let’s go on a family hike. It’ll be fun. This way looks easy.) He could turn a birch tree into a whipping carnival ride and delight in a Peter Pan tree house. His tree house on Pease Pond was an actual tree with a door in the bottom of the trunk climbing pegs (and spiders) inside the trunk with a trap door to the platform floor.

Gary leaves behind a legacy of love, curiosity, and joy that will continue to inspire all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Betty, his daughter Terri Chretien (James Hazlett), son Russell Chretien (Kiley), and son Gregory Chretien (Kathy); his grandchildren Sadie Tyler (Jeremy), Brittany Chretien (Anuarite), Molly DePaulo (Casey), Thomas Chretien (Amanda), Joseph Chretien (Autumn), Alainna Chretien (fiancé Luke Sullivan), Lily and Sawyer Batchelder; great-grandchildren Nash DePaulo, Ryan DePaulo, Hugo Chretien, Joss Chretien, Louis Chretien, Pria Tyler, Ketcher DePaulo, and Evie Chretien; siblings Marie Turner (Junior) and Sandy Baud (Don); beloved friends Carolyn and Stuart Wyman, who will remember his whit, warmth, and infamous pony tail.

At his request, there will be no services.

Gary will be deeply missed but is now at peace.

Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, ME, where memories, photos and condolences may be shared at dsfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers a donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association Inc. or the Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation Inc., would be most kind.