ASHLAND – Donald R. O’Clair Sr., died unexpectedly Feb. 27, 2009, at a Presque Isle hospital. He was born Oct. 25, 1946, in Masardis, son of Felix and Salina (Beaulier) O’Clair. He was educated in local schools and was a graduate of Ashland High School. Donnie was self-employed as a mechanic for many years as the owner of O’Clair’s Service Station, Ashland, from 1987 until his retirement in 2004. He had also worked for Beaulier Oil, Ashland, for several years, as well as for Transark Oil Co. Donnie enjoyed the outdoors, whether being in the woods, hunting, fishing or just taking pictures. Don loved his music, especially when he could get together and play music with his special aunt, Meddie. He was a member of Ashland Fire Department for 45 years, serving as fire chief for 16 years. He was also a member of Ashland Ambulance Service and Ashland Fish and Game Club. He served his community as a member of Ashland Planning Board and budget committee. In addition to his mother, Salina of Ashland, he is survived by his wife, Cheryl (MacDonald) O’Clair of Ashland; two sons, Donald O’Clair Jr. of Ashland and Troy O’Clair of Apache Junction, Ariz.; three stepdaughters, Michelle York and her husband, Guthrey, Melissa Pelletier and husband, Norman, and Pamela Lilley and husband, Edmund Jr., all of Ashland; three brothers, Robert O’Clair and his wife, Elaine, of Buffalo Gap, Texas, James O’Clair of Georgia, and Rick O’Clair and Michelle Hutchins of Portage Lake; four sisters, Mary “Betty”” Gerow and husband, Richard, of Ashland, Jean McPherson and husband, Herbert, of Portage Lake, Laurie Jacques and husband, George, of Garfield Plantation, and Felicia O’Clair of Presque Isle; eight grandchildren; 14 nieces and nephews; many aunts and uncles. He will also be sadly missed by a special family friend, Hubert Boulier of Ashland; and by his beloved dog, Abbie. In addition to his father, Felix, he was predeceased by an infant sister, Donna Faye; and sister, Anne Ellis. Relatives and friends may call 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Union Congregational Church, Sheridan Road, Ashland, where a funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday with Pastor Nathan Gardiner officiating. Spring interment will be at St. Mark Cemetery, Sheridan. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in his memory to Ashland Fire Department, care of Ned LaBelle, Ashland Town Office, P.O. Box 910, Ashland, ME 04732. Arrangements are a service of Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St., Ashland. To leave online condolences, please visit ouellettefuneralhome.com.
DONALD R. O’CLAIR SR.
