OLD TOWN – Clement E. Cote, 84, passed away Thursday, June 30, 2005, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Bangor, following a series of illnesses, including cancer. He was born July 13, 1920, in Old Town, son of the late Harry and Josephine (Seymour) Cote. An avid basketball player at Old Town High School, “Trosky” nurtured his love of high school and college sports as an enthusiastic spectator long after leaving OTHS. His World War II Army years afforded him the richest memories of his life, and his collection of personal photos and books on the “Great War” attested to his lasting impressions of a changing world, and a great pride in serving his country on the European and North African fronts. For more than 35 years, Clem and his wife, “Mimi”, enriched the lives of many children as informal baby-sitters, surrogate grandparents and mentors. His innocent respect for children, their curiosities, their reactions to the world, their dreams and their joys encouraged many to recount the memories of their enjoyable times of exploration together with Clem and Mimi for years through the many subsequent chapters of their own lives. A gardener, a UMO hockey fan, a weaver of tall tales at the local market, a pal, a big brother, a loyal and dedicated husband, father and grandfather, Clem carried with him everywhere he went and unselfishly shared with everyone he met a unique natural kindness, an uncompromising spirit of warmth, and an unparalleled nurturing love. He is survived and will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Mildred B. (Corning) Cote; son, Wayne Cote of London, England; daughter, Donna Frye and her husband, James, of Houlton; granddaughter, Jenny Frye of Orono; three sisters, Alice Dupuis, Florence Dupuis, and Rose Dupuis, all of Old Town; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Clement was predeceased by his brother, Clarence Cote; and sister, Alvina Cyr. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday, at Holy Family Parish in Old Town, with the Rev. Wilfred Labbe, celebrant. A committal service will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Old Town, immediately following the service. Family and Friends are invited to the Holy Family Parish Hall for a light luncheon and continued fellowship directly after the committal. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial contributions to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Eastern Maine, P.O. Box 724 or 27 State St., Bangor, ME 04402-0724 or to the Maine Veterans’ Home Activities Dept., 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements in the care of Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Maine St., Old Town. www.dignitymemorial.com <
CLEMENT E. COTE
