VAN BUREN – Patrick L. Labbe, 85, died Sept. 12, 2010, at his residence. He was born May 9, 1925, in Lewiston, the son of Albenie and Yvonne (Thibodeau) Labbe. Patrick was a graduate of Van Buren schools and was an Army veteran of the Korean War, stationed in Keflavik, Iceland. He was interested in many things throughout his life, so after his military service he worked for a time as a state potato inspector and manager of the Officers Club at Loring Air Force Base. He established and operated Downeast Vending Co., Van Buren, for 33 years, and associated smaller companies, including General Maintenance Supply. He was very active in his community serving as a member of Van Buren Town Council, Van Buren Housing Authority and Van Buren Chamber of Commerce. Pat was involved with the Democratic Party for many years, both at the local and state levels, and was elected as a delegate to the State Democratic Convention. He was a member of American Legion, Levasseur-Farrell Post No. 49, Van Buren; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lister-Knowlton Post No. 9389, Caribou; Knights of Columbus, Council 1635, Van Buren; and member and past president of Van Buren Rotary Club. An avid sportsman, Pat loved spending time with family and friends, enjoying the Maine outdoors at vacation homes that he built at Long Lake Cove and on Big Black River, near St. Pamphile, Quebec. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 59 years, Theresa (Dumont) Labbe of Van Buren; two sons, Robert Labbe and Kenneth Labbe, both of Van Buren; two daughters, Patty O’Neill and husband, Patrick, of Stockholm and Lynne Wells and husband, George, of Winterport; three brothers, Donald Labbe of Van Buren, Gerald Labbe and Richard Labbe, both of Bristol, Conn.; five sisters, Georgette Jordan of Portsmouth, N.H., Lorraine Plourde of Watertown, Conn., Corinne Lackey of Belgrade, Mont., Theresa Blackburn of Livingston, Texas, and Joan Parker of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; and four grandchildren, Nicholas, Justin and Danielle Labbe, and Robbie Wells. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Harold Labbe of Van Buren. He will be sorely missed by the many members of his extended family and friends that visited him and supported him during his illness. Relatives and friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. until the time of service Thursday at Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church. Committal service and interment will be in the parish cemetery. Those who wish may contribute in his memory to County Dialysis Center, 21 North St., Presque Isle, ME 04769 or Knights of Columbus Parish Needs Fund, 284 Main St., Van Buren, ME 04785. To leave online condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.
PATRICK L. LABBE
