FORT KENT – Joseph “Yvan” Paradis, 74, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, March 21, 2012, at Forest Hill Manor, Fort Kent. He was born Feb. 25, 1938, in Frenchville, the son of Rosaire and Cecile (Gagnon) Paradis.
Yvan served in the U.S. Army for three years before moving on to become a career mechanic. He spent 35 years working with Lewis-Boyle Inc., Berlin, Conn., where he was continuously recognized for his work ethic and skill in maintaining and repairing forklifts. He was a lifetime third degree member of Knights of Columbus and was also a member of American Legion Lozier O’Grady Post No. 9609, Fort Kent. He was always very active and his athletic pursuits included arm-wrestling, bowling and softball. Family and friends will remember Yvan for his love of people. He was always eager to share an old story about the strength of the older Paradis generation, especially his fathers; growing up in Frenchville; working in the woods with his father and brother, Rosaire; attending Bucksport Seminary, Bucksport; being stationed in Ruidoso, N.M.; or Stuttgart, Germany, or when he first moved to Hartford’s “Frog Hollow” to share an apartment with his brother, Rosaire, cousins and friends. Most importantly Yvan will be remembered for his love and devotion to his wife and two children of whom he worked tirelessly for.
Yvan is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Arlene; two sons, Gregory and wife, Tammy, and their children, Alex, Paige and Ava, and Paul and fiancee, Rachel Burrows; four sisters, Betty and her husband, Joe Galko, Rose and her husband, Andrew “Skip” McQuarrie, Rita and her husband, Bob Hines, and Janice and her husband, Norman Dufour; two brothers, Rosaire “Ross” and his wife, Judy, and James and his wife, Melvena; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Ronald; and sister, Irene.
Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Sunday and 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Monday at Daigle Funeral Home, Fort Kent. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated with full military honors 11 a.m. March 26 at St. Louis Catholic Church, Fort Kent. Spring burial will be held May 14 at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Wallagrass. Those who wish may make donations in Yvan’s memory to Edgar J. “Guy” Paradis Cancer Fund, Northern Maine Medical Center, 194 East Main St., Fort Kent, ME 04743. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.