Southwest Harbor — Roland A. Beaulieu, 75, died August 25, 2018, after battling complications of throat cancer. He passed away peacefully at the home he shared with his wife and daughter’s family in Southwest Harbor, Maine, surrounded by family. Roland was born May 6, 1943, in Lewiston, Maine, the son of Albert M. and Pearl G. Beaulieu.
Roland is survived by his beloved wife and childhood sweetheart, Dona Beaulieu; his daughter, Debra Hodgkin and her husband, Brian of Lewiston; his daughter, Kelly Beaulieu, and her husband, Brian Cote, of Southwest Harbor; two grandchildren, his very special grandson, Patrick Shannon, of Sebago and his lovely and talented granddaughter, Elaina Cote of Southwest Harbor; three sisters, Jeanne Morneault and her husband Ronaldo of Auburn, Patricia Bouchard and her husband Don of Lewiston, Denise McCulloch and her husband Alex of Sebago; and many nieces and nephews.
Roland grew up in Poland Spring, and attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Edward Little High School. Roland met his wife, and soulmate, Dona, when she was fifteen years old. They married in 1964, and had 54 amazing years together. Roland worked for over 40 years as a skilled and hard working welder and mechanic at Superior Carriers (formally Merrill Transport).
Roland loved working with wood, and made many beautiful items, including an impressive, wooden strip canoe. He enjoyed car racing, and spent many a Saturday night at Oxford Plains Speedway, working on the Quick 5 pit crew. Roland and Dona camped for over 20 years at the Poland Spring Campground, where they made many lifelong friends. Upon retiring, they sold their home in Minot, and spent the last 10 winters at Maximo Moorings, in St. Petersburg, Florida, where they quickly gained their “Florida Family”.
After working so hard his whole life, Roland was fortunate in his retirement to check off many dreams from his bucket list, including seeing some wonders that had always interested him, like the Panama Canal, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and Florida Keys. More than anything, Roland’s greatest pride and joy was supporting his family and watching them grow.
There will be a private burial for the family in Southwest Harbor. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in Auburn at a later date for family and friends.
Donations may be sent to Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County, 14 McKenzie Avenue Ellsworth, ME 04605.
Arrangements by Acadia Burial and Cremation Direct.
Condolences may be expressed at www.acadiacremation.com
10 Condolences
You can shed tears because they are gone or you can smile because they lived…Roland lived well. Always with a laugh and a smile, ready with a joke whenever the occasion needed or not.
So sorry to hear of Rolands passing. I have heard many stories about Roland and Vic growing up and about their adventures at Sacred Heart school. No wonder they closed that school! Hope you and your family are doing ok ..If possible would you e-mail us when the celebration of life is going to be…We would really like to be there…….Take care Pat
Vic and Pat, thanks for your kind thoughts. Contact my email and I’ll share info about the celebration. [email protected]
Roland was a wonderful brother-in-law. Happy go lucky and always made us laugh with his jokes. He led a full and happy life. Always there if you needed him. We will miss him so much!
As part of the Florida family, we will miss our great friend Roland – his humour and loyalty. He fought a hard battle and Dona was right by his side, fighting with him. We will always remember the fun adventures and laughs that we shared. Our sincere condolences.and love.
Your Canadian Sisters and Maggie
Uncle Roland always had us laughing. And tickling as kids.
Aunt Donna…Uncle Roland you were both 2 peas in a pod.
All great memories. Hugs and kisses
Dear Donna and Family; There are no words to express the sorrow I feel in the passing of Roland. After working with Roland for 38 years there is nobody I rather worked with, my mentor. I don’t care if we were outside under a truck in the snow at minus 20 or in the garage covered in oil and grease he always had that smart remark that would get you laughing. He would always drop what he was doing and help you in a minute. Individuals like Roland are few and far between. He’ll be missed by everyone who knew him. RIP my friend
He would be so pleased that you thought so highly of him. He spoke of you often telling me stories about things that happened at work and the laughs you shared. He considered you a real friend. Thanks for remembering him. Dona and family.
We are so sorry to hear of Roland’s passing. Although we did not know him for long, he will be remembered for his smiles and fun outlook on life. Our condolences to you and your family.
Uncle Roland will be truly missed. He, for the most part was a quiet man and fun-loving. That was until you got him going with his smart ass funny remarks.
Aunt Donna, Debbie, Kelly, and grandchildren you were blessed with an awesome husband (soulmate), father and grandfather. I know y’all will keep those dear memories close to your heart.
R.I.P. uncle Ronnie, continue as you were and keep those angels laughing.
Don’t be pinching those pretty little angels butts. LOL
Much love Denise and family
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