VAN BUREN – Joseph Roger Corbin, 60, died peacefully April 3, 2008, at a Van Buren health care facility, with his loving wife, Linda, by his side. He was born Nov. 5, 1947, in Van Buren, the son of Emile and Annette (Ouellette) Corbin. Joe, also known as “Rog,” was born to be a leader, mentor, teacher, advisor, friend and soldier. He excelled by dedicating himself completely to whatever he pursued. At the end he fought and sadly lost a courageous battle with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. With amazing fortitude and strength of mind, he still managed to guide “his kids” toward their future aspirations as guidance counselor at Van Buren District Secondary School, until his retirement last June. Joe valiantly and honorably served his country in the U.S. Army with three continuous tours of duty in Vietnam, 1965-1987. Joe was proudly featured on the Hero’s Wall at the Aroostook Centre Mall, Presque Isle. With hard work and endurance, Rog achieved many accomplishments in life. He was a 1965 graduate of Van Buren Boys High School and obtained a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Chaminade College, graduating cum laude. Joe earned a Master of Arts in Education degree from Pepperdine University and a Master of Arts in human relations from Webster University, both with a 4.0 grade point average. He obtained a masters in counseling and substance abuse from the University of Maine at Orono and also attended U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, Fort Bliss, Texas. Joe was employed in many various capacities throughout his life. He was director of continuing education for Husson College at their Caribou campus; a training coordinator for McCain Foods, Easton; a postal carrier at Van Buren Post Office; adult education director for MSAD 24, Van Buren; adult education teacher and adjunct faculty for Northern Maine Technical College, Presque Isle; adjunct professor at Husson College, Caribou; substitute teacher at Van Buren District Secondary School; adjunct professor at Georgia Military College and senior instructor at the U.S. Army Signal School, both at Fort Gordon, Ga. He was a member of American Legion, Levasseur-Farrell Post No. 49 of Van Buren. Joe was a loving husband twice over June 26, 1967, and Feb. 17, 2008, and is survived by his wife of 40 years, Linda (Learnard) Corbin of Van Buren; his parents, Emile and Annette Corbin of Van Buren; one sister, Gisele Theriault and her husband, Guy, of Newburgh; one brother, Maurice Corbin and his wife, Nancy, of Van Buren; brothers-in-law, Herb, Dick, Carroll and Bob; and sisters-in-law, Mavis, Helen, Joyce, Edna and Donna. He was predeceased by his parents-in-law, Herbert and Pauline Learnard; and by a special niece, Sandra Pargya-Violette. Joe was very grateful to his wife and will forever thank their special friends, Jim and Gaetane Grivois, Claudette and Dick Chabre, Arlene and Harvey Beaulieu and Karla Michaud, all of Van Buren; and two special priests, who attended them in his last days, Father David Cote and Father David Raymond. He will also be sadly missed by two devoted dogs, Abby-da-ma-gale and Max-a-million Corbin. To his kids at Van Buren District Secondary School, Joe wished to remind them: “Each and every one of you – – – a big smile and a simple hello go a long way in life. Good luck in all your present and future endeavors.” In keeping with his wishes, there will be no visiting hours. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, April 10, at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church. Interment will be at the Maine Veterans’ Cemetery, Caribou, later this summer. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in his memory to Dollars for Scholars Campaign, Van Buren District Secondary School, 169 Main St., Van Buren, ME 04785. Arrangements are a service of Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. To leave online condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.
JOSEPH ROGER CORBIN
