FORT FAIRFIELD – Barry K. Thibeau, 73, husband of Mrs. Mary Lou (Stone) Thibeau, passed away Wednesday morning, Nov. 23, 2011, at a Presque Isle health care facility, after a brief period of declining health. He was born Sept. 27, 1938, in Fort Fairfield, son of Merton and Doris (Smith) Thibeau.
Barry attended Fort Fairfield schools and was a graduate of Fort Fairfield High School, class of 1956 and went on to further his education at the University of Maine, Orono, in their Agra-business program. Barry was a U.S. Army veteran and was married to the love of his life who he met in sixth grade, Mary Lou Stone, Nov. 24, 1961, with today, Thanksgiving, being their 50th wedding anniversary. Mr. Thibeau was a lifelong communicant of Parish of the Precious Blood, St. Denis Catholic Church, Fort Fairfield, and for more than 50 years was engaged in one of his greatest passions, potato farming, an occupation that he still enjoyed until his illness with his son and grandsons. Barry had owned and operated Spud’s Speedway, Caribou, for several years and also served on Maine Potato Board.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Thibeau was predeceased by one brother, H. Wallace Thibeau; and three sisters, Delores Thibeau Williams, Francine Thibeau Austin and Marilyn A. Thibeau. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Thibeau of Fort Fairfield; one son, Keith E. Thibeau and his companion, Jill Player, of Fort Fairfield; three daughters, Tracy A. Jamison and her husband, Greg, of Scarborough, Bonny J. Rollender and her husband, Matt, of Concord, Mass., and Lynn M. Thibeau of Bangor; one brother, Peter T. Thibeau and his wife, Ruth Lockhart, of Bangor; three sisters, M. Andrea Thibeau of Washington, D.C., Claire Thibeau Cousins of Clearwater, Fla., and Tamara Thibeau Gallant of Palm Harbor, Fla.; and eight grandchildren, Keith E. Thibeau II, Connor P. Thibeau, both of Fort Fairfield, Airman Kyle G. Jamison, currently stationed in Oxnard, Calif., Ryan C. and Michael K. Jamison, both of Scarborough, Anna M., Emily K. and Matthew R. Rollender, all of Concord, Mass. He also leaves behind two brothers-in-law, Llewellyn Clark of Massachusetts, and Merle Johnston of Fort Fairfield and Daytona Beach, Fla.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends may call 6-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main St., Fort Fairfield, where a vigil service will be conducted 7:30 p.m. by the Rev. Jean-Paul Labrie. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at Parish of the Precious Blood, St. Denis Catholic Church, 147 Main St., Fort Fairfield, with the Rev. Jean-Paul Labrie, celebrant. Interment will be held after the service at St. Denis Catholic Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments will be held immediately after the interment service at Veterans of Foreign Wars Paul Lockhart Post No. 6187, Presque Isle Street, Fort Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in memory of Barry to Hospice of Aroostook, P.O. Box 688, Caribou, ME 04736; or C.A.N.C.E.R., P.O. Box 811, Presque Isle, ME 04769. Envelopes will be available at both the funeral home and church.