EMERY G. PLOURDE

CARIBOU – Emery G. Plourde, 88, husband of the late Ruth G. “Jere” (Keating) Plourde, died Oct. 13, 2008, at his Bangor residence. He was born Oct. 4, 1920, in Caribou, the son of the late Alex and Odile (Castonguay) Plourde. He was a graduate of Caribou High School and attended Seton Hall College, where he distinguished himself as one of the finest middle distance runners from the state of Maine. Emery was inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame, in 1987 and into the Maine Runners Hall of Fame, in 1989. He continued his passion for track and field, and cross-country by serving as a starter of high school and middle school meets for more than 20 years. He served with the U.S. Army as a radio operator during World War II in the European Theatre. Mr. Plourde owned and operated several laundry businesses in Caribou and at Loring Air Force Base during a career, which spanned more than 40 years. He was a lifelong communicant of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where he served on the parish council, was a eucharistic minister, as well as a third degree member of the Fred V. Brescia Knights of Columbus. Emery was a devoted husband and father to his family. He enjoyed leisure time with his family and friends, fishing, snowmobiling and golfing. He took much pride in tending to his flower and vegetable gardens and in maintaining the meticulous grounds of his Sweden Street home. He is survived by his sons, Ronald Plourde and his wife, Lynn, of Milford, Mass., Robert Plourde and his wife, Linda, of Cumberland, R.I., Emery Plourde Jr. of Bennington, Vt., and John Plourde and his wife, Alverna, of Hermon; his daughter, Jane Plourde and friend, William Turner, of Framingham, Mass., a special daughter-in-law, Debra Plourde of Caribou; one brother, Clarence Plourde of Caribou; four sisters, Dorothy Plourde, Bernice Plourde, Leola Taylor and Irene Lazure, all of Bradenton, Fla.; his grandchildren, Jessica, Allison, Melissa, Jennifer and Aaron; six great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Mr. Plourde was predeceased by his wife, Jere, in 2006; his sons, James and Richard; and a brother, Clifford. The family expresses their sincere appreciation for the special care provided by Dr. Cynthia Milles, as well as the staff of Home Health and Hospice of St. Joseph Hospital. A deep sense of gratitude is also extended to Emery’s “guardian angels,” Betty, Donna, Holly, Sally and Joyce. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Aaron Damboise officiating. Interment will be at the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery. After the service, family and friends are invited to Holy Rosary Parish Center for a time of fellowship and refreshments. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mr. Plourde may do so through Holy Rosary Catholic Church Memorial Fund, 31 Thomas Ave., Caribou, ME 04736. For an online register, please go to www.mocklerfuneralhome.com.