EAST WINTHROP – Robert Edward “Yank” Ouellette Sr. died Tuesday, March 14, 2006, at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation & Nursing Care, Graybirch Drive, Augusta, with his family at his side. He was born Sept. 7, 1937, in Woodland, the son of Carl and Leola (Conroy) Ouellette. Bob graduated from Caribou High School in 1955 and Springfield College in 1960, where he was salutatorian, played on the school’s baseball team and played one summer on the Springfield Indians’ farm team. From 1960 to 1965, he was recreation director for Loring Air Force Base and the town of Limestone. On Nov. 27, 1965, he and Jacqueline Hinton were married. Also in 1965, Bob began his employment with the State of Maine in the Department of Labor, where he was director of the Calais Parks and Recreation from 1971 to 1976. He also served on a variety of employment related councils appointed by Governors Longley, McKernan and King, retiring from the state in April of 1996. Bob was a lifelong, diehard Yankees fan who enjoyed collecting baseball cards. He was always very active in soft pitch softball, pitching on teams in the Teague Park League in Caribou and the Robbinston League in Robbinston. A brother, Peter, predeceased Bob. He is survived by his wife, Jackie of East Winthrop; his son, Robert E. Ouellette Jr. and wife, Lynn and their sons, Patrick and Benjamin; his daughter, Nichole Ouellette of Winthrop; a brother, Daniel Ouellette of Petersburg, Va.; special aunts, Dodie Olmstead and Merilee Conroy; special cousin, Larry Gilman; and also several other nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, Winthrop, with the Rev. Brian Blanchette, celebrant. The Winthrop Fire Station, which is a very short walk from church, will be hosting a reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, Bob’s wishes were that contributions in his memory be made to the Robert E. Ouellette Sr. Education Trust Fund, care of Key Bank of Winthrop, P.O. Box 301, Winthrop, ME 04364. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. www.khrfuneralhomes.com
ROBERT E. ‘YANK’ OUELLETTE SR.
