FORT KENT – Albert J. Lebel, 88, was taken by the Lord Sunday, June 3, 2007, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born Nov. 2, 1918, the youngest of six children to Alfred Lebel Sr. and Emma (Chasse) Lebel. He graduated from Van Buren High as valedictorian of his class. He was married Aug. 14 1950, to Muriel T. Tardif. He worked for two years at the Northern Telegraph Co., then transferred to the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad Co., working as a telegrapher, assistant agent and agent for 44 years, retiring in May 1982 from the Fort Kent station. He was a past member of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, past president of the Fort Kent Rotary Club, past president of the Fort Kent Playground Association, past Knight of Columbus and member of the St. Louis Parish, Fort Kent. Albert loved to learn, taking correspondence courses and teaching himself taxidermy, telegraphy and woodworking. His knowledge of telegraphy landed him with a job at a subsidiary company of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad. In Fort Kent, he worked as a station agent and delivered railroad express. Growing up in Van Buren, Albert loved fishing and hunting. He met Muriel Tardif, his loving wife of 56 years, in Lille and they made their home in Fort Kent. Albert’s knowledge in woodworking helped him restore two houses, as well as assisting his family in a variety of building efforts. He spent many happy hours in his workshop building kitchen cabinets and always had a project going. In addition to his wife, Mauriel of Fort Kent, Albert is survived by his sister-in-law, Nancy Holabird and Dave of Caribou; his children, Jean M. Lebel and her fianc?, Phil St. Laurent, of Hudson, Patti and her husband, Jerry Couture, of Orland, Don and his special partner, Lisa Pelletier, of Fort Kent and Dave and his wife, Terry, of Bucksport; his grandchildren, Jake, Paige, Kenny, Jesse and Caity; many nieces and nephews. Albert was predeceased by two brothers, Alfred Jr. and Lionel; three sisters, Mariana, Alice and Cecile; his parents; and a daughter, Anne Marie. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. Thurs-day until time of services at Daigle & Nadeau Funeral Home, Fort Kent. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Louis Catholic Church, Fort Kent. Burial will be held after at Parish Cemetery. Those who wish may donate in his memory to their favorite charity.
ALBERT J. LEBEL
