FORT KENT – Louis P. Desjardins, 84, passed away peacefully April 27, 2011, surrounded by his loving family at his home on his own terms and is now in the arms of his devoted wife, Winnie. He was born Aug. 4, 1926, in Fort Kent, son of John and Elizabeth (Bouchard) Desjardins.
Louis belonged to Veterans of Foreign Wars Lozier O’Grady Post No. 9609, American Legion Martin-Klein Post No. 180, Knights of Columbus in the third council No. 1934, and Fort Kent Lions, all of Fort Kent. He left the family farm at age 17 and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served from Aug. 21, 1945 – Jan. 27, 1947, over the objections of his friends who joined other branches of service. Never one to shy away from a good challenge he went on to serve his country in World War II in Guam and later in Japan. After his honored service he returned home in his Marine Corps dress uniform where he caught the fancy of his lifelong love of 56 years, Winnie.
The two married and together they laid the foundation to a loving family and planted a family tree that has branches that extend to five children: Steve Desjardins of Biddeford, Bonnie Desjardins of Fort Kent, Judy Dostie of Rockland, Elaine Burns and Diane Rossignol, both of Waterville; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; one brother, Paul Desjardins of Connecticut; a sister, Cecile Hill of Chicago; several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife, Winnie, in 2005; four brothers, John, Vin, Bill and Robert; and two sisters, Bernadette and Mary. Louis will now be free to throw on his favorite windbreaker, prop his Tampa ball cap on his head and take his morning spin around town in his faithful Ford whenever he desires. His loving family will surely enjoy the comfort of knowing that his loving Winnie will be along for the ride through eternity visiting family and friends ready to take us along when our time comes. Dad, give Mom our love and know we miss you dearly. Until we see you again, “Tou Jours!”
Friends may call 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Daigle Funeral Home, Fort Kent. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Louis Catholic Church, Fort Kent. Committal service will be afterward at the parish cemetery with full military Marine Corps honors. In his memory, those who wish may donate to Edgar J. “Guy” Paradis Cancer Fund, Northern Maine Medical Center, 194 E. Main St., Fort Kent, ME 04743. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.