NEWPORT and PALMYRA Ernest Percival Paradis went home to the Lord Feb. 23, 2008. He died peacefully at his home in Palmyra, with his family at his side after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born June 13, 1934, in Corinna, a son of Emile and Clarissa (Metivier) Paradis of Corinna. He grew up in Newport and attended Newport schools. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He worked at Guilford Woolen Mill, Newport, for 10 years and at H.P. Hood and Sons, Newport, for 17 years. He moved to Waterville and cared for special needs children, whom he loved and cared for from his home. Ernest also owned and operated Newport Pool and Bowling Alley, Newport and a carpet business in Newport for a time. After retiring, he worked for the late Les Lovley and son, Greg Lovley, and Tom and Linda Walsh. They were great friends and spent many good times in Maine and Florida. He loved all of his family and friends dearly, including special friends, Dave and Bill Jarvis. He was a member of Meridian Splendor Lodge AF & AM, a past member of Barrows-Skidgel Post American Legion and belonged to Pittsfield Elks Lodge. He liked hunt-ing, fishing, poker and horse racing. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to all the doctors, nurses and hospice in Waterville, especially Holly, Mark, Paul, Julie Ann, Betty and Martin, who provided wonderful care during his illness. Ernest wanted to thank his friends and family for their prayers, visits and calls during his final days. He resided in Palmyra with his wonderful companion, Juanita Sargent, whom he loved dearly; and is also survived by a brother, Tim and wife, Carole Paradis, of Corinna; sisters, Dee Terrio of Newport and Nancy Bellfleur of Pittsfield; aunt, Jane Allen of Newington, Conn.; his first wife and dear friend, Lillian Sawyer of Corinna; five nephews, Tim and Ronnie Paradis, both of Newport, Scott Paradis of Corinna, Steven Welch of Newport and Bruce Welch of Pittsfield; four nieces, Tina Peppard, Lisa Dunphy, Brenda Welch and Debi Welch-Tibbetts, all of Pittsfield; several cousins and many friends. He was predeceased by his baby brother, Philip, in 1932. A graveside funeral and military committal service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, at Corinna Village Cemetery with the Rev. Carl Engstrom and the Air Force Honor Guard conducting the services. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Newport. In lieu of flowers, Red requested donations may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 87 Elm St., Suite 203, Camden, ME 04843. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.CrosbyNeal.com.
ERNEST ‘RED’ PARADIS
