CARMEL ‘BIDOU’ CASTONGUAY

VAN BUREN – Carmel “Bidou” Castonguay, 63, devoted husband of Lucille (Roy) Castonguay, died unexpectedly Nov. 11, 2008, at a Caribou hospital. He was born Aug. 9, 1945, in St. Leonard, New Brunswick, the son of Louis and Jeannette (Deveau) Castonguay. Carmel had a tenacious and undying devotion to his family and community. His greatest pleasure in life was caring for others. At the age of 14, Carmel left his formal education to become the head of household to his brothers and sisters. He opened his heart freely to all in need, never giving a second thought in assisting others. This past spring he was an instrumental leader and volunteer in assisting those affected during the flood that affected the St. John River Valley. He will be dearly missed by his family and community. He was a 35-year member of Van Buren Fire Department and was currently serving as assistant chief. He also served as fire warden for the town of Van Buren and was a former member of Van Buren Ambulance Service and continued to respond to calls when extra help was needed. Carmel was formerly employed by General Supply Corp., for more than 20 years. For the last 19 years, he was employed as sexton for St. Peter Chanel Parish. Carmel loved his Church and Parish. He was active on the Social Justice and Peace Commission, and Worship and Spirituality Commission. He also served his parish as an usher and up until the last few weeks had been the coordinator of St. Peter Chanel Food Pantry for 14 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Lucille R. Castonguay of Van Buren; two sons, Peter R. Castonguay and his fiancee, Nicole, and Scott A. Castonguay and his fiancee, Cheryl Jankowski, all of Van Buren; three granddaughters who were the sunshine of his life and his pride and joy, Julie Castonguay, Morgan Castonguay and Nicole Giese; three brothers, Yvon Azard of Bersford, New Brunswick, Kenneth Castonguay of Montreal, Quebec, Daniel Castonguay of Grand Falls, New Brunswick; seven sisters, Cecile Bernier and Colette Dumont, both of St. Leonard, New Brunswick, Brigitte Dufour of Riviere Verte, New Brunswick, Nicole Cyr of Newington, Conn., Diane Castonguay of St. Basile, New Brunswick, Rita Castonguay of Caribou and Marcella Pariseau of Grand Falls, New Brunswick. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by an infant daughter, Mary, in 1970; three brothers, Roger, Albert and Pierre Castonguay; and by one sister, Charlene Castonguay. Relatives and friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church. Interment will be at the parish cemetery. Those who wish may contribute in his memory to Van Buren Fire Department or Van Buren Ambulance Service, 51 Main St., Suite 101, Van Buren, ME 04785. To leave online condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.