EAGLE LAKE – Patrick John Marquis, 61, passed away peacefully May 22, 2011, surrounded by his loving family at an Eagle Lake health care facility. Patrick was born Sept. 11, 1949, in Eagle Lake, to Carmen and Edgar Marquis.
Patrick touched the lives of so many people in his family and in the community. Once you met him you never forgot him. Pat had resided in residential centers for about 40 years, but he was always a very active participant in all family activities, which included dancing at family weddings, trips to Florida and California to visit family, and canoe trips on the Allagash. He was the focal point of his family and a party “manimal” as he liked to say. Pat enjoyed a variety of activities with family and friends, ranging from snowmobiling and washing vehicles for family, to watching the Red Sox with his dad and best friend, Edgar “Charlie” Marquis. Pat also took much pride and joy in participating in Special Olympics for several years, receiving many ribbons for his accomplishments. His happiness extended to his fellow Olympians. Coming in first was not as important, but finishing at any level was where the pride and joy came in. His all-time favorite activity was to do his “studies.” That he could do for hours on end at the desk or kitchen table. Pat resided at Opportunity Training Center, Presque Isle, where he worked at one time, he worked at Bonanza Restaurant, and also participated at Northern Aroostook Alternatives, Van Buren. His most recent residence since 2000 was at Marcaux Home, Eagle Lake. It truly was his home and he let us know it was time to get back there after stays at hospitals for any period of time. The family thanks the Marcaux staff for their loving and compassionate care for our brother. The feeling is that he had the ultimate care, especially as his health was failing in recent years. One of the many lessons he has taught us is “that our lives is not determined by what life brings us, but by the attitude we bring to life,” to quote something written by one of his nephews about his uncle.
Patrick is survived by seven siblings, Claudette “Dodette” Paradis of Fort Kent, Robert “Bob” Marquis and his wife, Rachel, of Eagle Lake, Roger “Rog” Marquis and his wife, Marion, of West Bradenton, Fla., Jacqueline “Kackie” Kiely and her husband, John, of Watsonville, Calif., James “Jim” Marquis and his wife, Linda, of Fort Kent, Louise “Weese” Pelletier and her husband, Mickey, of Dedham and Carol “Kayo” Allen and her husband, Krayton, of Hermon. Pat cherished the very special relationship he had with his aunt, Blanche Jalbert; and family friend, Lila Dube. Uncle Pat will be missed by all his nephews and nieces, Michael, Daniel, Donna and Paul Paradis, Kathy Roy, Carl and Peter Marquis, Monique Grant, Steven Marquis, Lisa Shives, Susan Jones, Traci Eydman, Jacob and Chad Marquis, Danielle Robinson, Rebecca Pelletie and James and Jessica Allen. Patrick was predeceased by his parents, Edgar and Carmen Marquis; his nephew, David; his niece, Ann; and a very special brother-in-law, Roger Paradis.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held 9 a.m. May 27 at St. Louis Church, Fort Kent. Family and friends are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 26, and 7:30 a.m. until the time of service Friday at Daigle Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the David J. Marquis Scholarship, P.O. Box 34, Fort Kent Mills, ME 04744 or Special Olympics Maine, attention: Linda, 125 John Roberts Road, No. 19, South Portland, ME 04106.