FORT KENT – Ludger “Ti Lou” Ouellet left this world as he lived his life, with peace and grace, early in the morning May 31, 2011. During his life of nine decades, Ludger created a legacy of integrity, generosity, love and citizenship as a model for others to emulate. “Ti Lou” was very proud of being 90 years old… “going on 91,” as he began saying the day after his birthday. He was born Nov. 22, 1920, the third son of Joseph and Modeste (Roy) Ouellet.
Lou was a lifelong communicant at St. Louis Parish, where he began his spiritual life as an altar server. Lou received his early education at St. Louis Covent School and Madawaska Training School, Fort Kent. He furthered his education at Bliss Business College, Lewiston. Upon returning to his hometown, he worked for his Uncle Emile Ouellet, who owned a Ford dealership. Shortly thereafter in 1947, he married Sylvia “Vi” Roy, the love of his life. In the passage of time, they became the parents of five children and grandparents to three boys. Ludger eventually came to own the Ford dealership, moved it to its present location on East Main Street, Fort Kent, and went on to create an association with the public that lasted 42 years, retiring in 1988. Lou’s commitment to his community was evident in many ways. He found the time to participate in many leadership roles as the town grew. He was the founder of Fort Kent Credit Union, treasurer of Fort Kent Housing Corp., director of Valley Snow Riders Club, director of Fish River Lake Water Quality Association, past president and treasurer of the Senior Citizens Club, and charter member of Fort Kent Golf Course. In addition, he has been a member of Rotary Club, Jaycees, the chamber of commerce, Church Life Commission, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, and RSVP senior volunteers, to name a few. “Ti Lou” and his beloved wife, Vi, thoroughly enjoyed their retirement together. The four seasons of the St. John Valley were special to them. They golfed for many years, but especially enjoyed snowmobiling in the winter, spring fiddlehead picking, partridge hunting at Rock’s camp in the fall, and entertaining during summers at the family camp, “The Seven O’s.” Lou spent the last year and a half living at Crosswinds, where he was lovingly referred to as “Mr. Lou.” The family is grateful to have his residency there be filled with love, concern and personalization by the entire Crosswinds family. Whether one referred to him as Dad, Pepere, Ti Lou or Mr. Lou, this man will be deeply missed.
Lou was predeceased by his devoted wife, Vi, in October 2009; by his parents; brothers, Valier Ouellet and Rock Ouellet; and sisters, Lorette, Martha and Evangeline. He is survived by his sister, Delores Blanchette; and children, Louise Kirkland and husband, Kenneth, of Brewer, James and his wife, Marie, of Sebastian, Fla., Bob and his wife, Val, of Wallagrass, Susan Pozanac and husband, Chuck, of Riverside, Calif., and Denise Nowinski of North Yarmouth. Left to carry on Pepere’s legacy are three adoring grandsons, Aaron and Mitchell Ouellet and Austin Nowinski.
Friends may call 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, June 3, at Daigle Funeral Home, Fort Kent. A Mass of Christian burial with full fourth degree honors will be celebrated 1 p.m. Friday at St. Louis Catholic Church, Fort Kent. Committal services will be afterward at the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. John Vianny Parish Renovation Fund, Crosswinds’ Activities Fund or Alzheimer’s Association, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04704. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.