FORT KENT – Zenon A. Daigle passed peacefully in his sleep Feb. 10, 2011, at his home, at the age of 81 years 7 months and 2 days. He is now living his fifth day, after a 14-month battle with cancer. He was born July 8, 1929, in Fort Kent, the son of Ludger and Azilda Daigle.
Zenon enjoyed a full life. He enlisted in the National Guard in May 1948, being honorably discharged in July 1959, with the rank of sergeant. He ran a seed potato farm for 35 years and also raised cattle and cut lumber. Upon retirement from farming he subsequently worked as a substitute bus driver and janitor for SAD 27 for 20 years. He served on the board of directors for Farmers Home Administration for 17 years. He was a Legion of Honor member of Catholic Order of Foresters, serving the St. Louis Court 230 in various offices from 1966 to the present, six of which were as chief ranger. He participated actively in the fourth degree Knights of Columbus Council No. 0352, Fort Kent, serving as faithful navigator for three years and as color corps commander for 19 years. He loved his God, his church and his rosary. His most cherished memories included dancing, cooking breakfast on the fireplace at camp and playing cards with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Beatrice Daigle of Fort Kent; one brother, Armand and his wife, Gail, of Plainville, Conn.; his 10 children and their spouses, Marcella and Craig Schock of Yorba Linda, Calif., Lucien and Cheryl Daigle of Fort Kent, Lucille and Steve Richardson of Auburn, Mass., Ronald and Doreen Daigle of Fort Kent, Patrick and Ann Daigle of Homer, Ark., Rilda and Michael Corriveau of Underhill, Vt., Marie and Richard Fowler of Greene, Theresa and Robert Godfrey of Greene, Steve and Teri Daigle of Merrill, Wis., and Robert and Jessica Daigle of Fort Kent; 27 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Adria Klingelsmith and her daughter, Gwen, Chris Schock, Jenna Labbe, Justin, Jared and Timothy Richardson, Mitchell and Joshua Daigle, Simeon, Benjamin, Aspen and Autumn Daigle, Dominique Corriveau and his son, Ezra, Philip, Lydia and Elise Corriveau, Danielle, Ellayna and Taylor Fowler, Jonathan, Samuel, Josiah and Ian Godfrey, Amber and Haley Daigle, Zoe and Sophie Daigle; many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Roger, Edmond and Conrad; and his sisters, Martha and Onilda.
Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at Daigle Funeral Home, Fort Kent. A Mass of Christian burial with full military and fourth degree honors will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Louis Catholic Church, Fort Kent, with the Rev. James Nadeau officiating. Spring burial will be held May 17 at the parish cemetery. Those who wish may donate in his memory to St. John Vianney Renovation Fund, 26 East Main St., Fort Kent, ME 04743, Visiting Nurses of Aroostook, P.O. Box 688, Caribou, ME 04736 or Aroostook Home Health Services, 345 Market St., Fort Kent Mills, ME 04744. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.