(1949-2008) FORT KENT – There must be tractors in heaven. How else to explain the taking of one of the kindest, gentlest and most compassionate men to ever walk this earth or drive an IH? Patrick passed away peacefully, after a brief illness, Monday morning, Jan. 28, 2008, in the company of his wife and those who loved him as much as he loved them. It was a bright, sunny northern Maine day and he was home, on his beloved farm. The type of day he would have filled tramping on snowshoes, loppers in hand, tending his trails. His entire land management style revolved around improving his acreage for wildlife habitat for the moose, deer, bear, coyotes, fox, rabbits and grouse he so enjoyed observing. On days when the lure of his shop overrode the call of the natural world, that’s where he could be found for hours on end working on one of his several ongoing projects. All of which had to do with old, large tractors or other assorted pieces of rusty machinery of varying shapes, sizes and working condition. Among his personal triumphs was the day he found a practical use for the 1950s dump truck. (Not to mention it being a bit of an “I told you so” moment.) A putterer and petanteur at heart, rare was the repair or fabricating job that stumped him. If he didn’t have the right tool, he simply made one. And he was never too busy to help out a friend or neighbor with his or her own projects, big or small. Patrick graduated from Fort Kent Community High School, Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute and the University of Maine at Fort Kent. He spent 10 months with the U.S. Army stationed in Korea. For the past 20 years he worked at Roy Auto Parts-NAPA, Fort Kent, where he was regarded as the go-to guy for anyone with questions about old tractors or trucks. If he didn’t have the answer right away, he’d come home that night and search it out either online or in his extensive collection of manuals. The number of people who flocked to be at his side during his final days is testament to the numerous lives he touched in his own quiet, understated way. Patrick is survived and deeply missed by his wife, best friend and companion of 26 years, Julia Bayly Ouellette of Fort Kent; a sister, Anna Picard and her husband, Reynald, of Bristol, Conn.; a brother, Jeff Ouellette and his wife, Marge, of Wolcott, Conn.; a brother, Thomas and his wife, Marylyn, of Fort Kent; a sister, Geraldine Ouellette of Danvers, Mass.; and his father-in-law, Michael Bayly of Fort Kent. In addition to the many cousins, nieces and nephews with whom he enjoyed visiting when the opportunity allowed, there are four with whom he shared a special bond: His nephew and Godson, Mark Ouellette and his wife, Connie, of Yarmouth; his niece, Tammy Ouellette and her husband, Charles, of Fort Kent; his nephew, Scott Ouellette and his wife, Jessica, of Poland; and his nephew, Randy Ouellette of Poland. He was predeceased by his father, Valier Ouellette; mother, Therese Michaud Ouellette; and his sister, Patsy LaFrance. At one point during his illness, Patrick was asked, if given the chance, what would he do differently in his life. He answered, “Nothing.” Patrick had no regrets and left this world after saying all that had to be said to those he most loved. All of us should take a lesson from that and be so fortunate. Per Patrick’s request, there will be no funeral. However, a celebration in honor of this extraordinary man is planned for June. In the meantime, Patrick would want everyone to take a moment and enjoy the world and people around them and, when given the opportunity, lend a hand to friend or neighbor in need. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a favorite charity.
PATRICK RICHARD OUELLETTE
